HC Deb 12 November 1969 vol 791 c386
11. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what studies he has instituted into the organisation of demand in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Silkin

An E.D.C. working party on which my Department was represented has recently reported, and its report is being studied by the Departments concerned.

Mr. Costain

Is the Minister not aware that this working party reported that there was no co-operation between the Ministry and local authorities on the co-ordinating of work started in certain areas? Surely this is a job about which his Department ought to have information. He has the staff to do it.

Mr. Silkin

I do not think that the report has been published, but I understand that it is confined to the public sector and specifically to hospital building and water and sewage works.