HC Deb 12 November 1969 vol 791 cc396-7
32. Mr. Woodnutt

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement about the future of the National Consultative Council of which he is chairman.

Mr. John Silkin

In addition to its standing interest in the general situation of the industry, the council has before it a heavy programme including metrication, data co-ordination, consultative arrangements for building services and the effects of British Standard Time.

Mr. Woodnutt

Would it not be proper for the council to meet rather urgently to consider the fact that the level of house building in 1969 is going to be far lower than in 1964? Alternatively, would it not be better to cancel the whole thing and let the building industry get on with the job itself?

Mr. Silkin

As to the second point, I think that the building industry, in the hon. Gentleman's words, would be horrified if the N.C.C. were cancelled. As to the first part, I think that the hon. Gentleman had better wait and see.

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