§ 4. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what will be the cost of the new crown building in Bishop Auckland; and what stage has been reached in its development.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe cost will be £391,000. Work on site started on the 5th August.
§ Mr. BoydenMay I ask whether the contract has gone to a north-east company? Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the concern which exists in the northeast about the loss of north-east jobs to other builders? Will he ask his Department to look particularly into the claims of this regional development area, and if he finds that north-east builders need particular advice from his Department, will he see that they get it?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe arc always willing to give assistance to builders and contractors in areas with a high degree of unemployment. I am sorry that I have not the information in relation to whether the contract has been let to a north-east builder, but would draw attention to the fact that, whoever gets the contract, a great deal of local labour will inevitably be employed in carrying it out.