§ 13. Mr. Ellisasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps have been taken by his Department in the past three years to overcome the disruptive effects of bad weather on the construction industry.
§ Mr. John SilkinInvestment grants may now be obtained for lighting systems. Recommendations on technical procedures and site amenities have been 1193 issued. Improved protective clothing has been produced; health problems are being studied, and cheap lightweight shelters and better lighting systems are being examined.
§ Mr. EllisWould my hon. and learned Friend agree to give an estimate of how many days are lost through bad weather? Following statements by the Meteorological Office that it is to provide a much better service in advising on weather conditions, which can save many millions of pounds, has my hon. and learned Friend had any approaches from the Office?
§ Mr. SilkinIn reply to the first part of the question, I estimate that as much as 60 million man hours, that is, 3 per cent. of the total, in outside working building is lost through bad weather. In reply to the second part of the question, the meteorological services, I think, are producing very suitable information. There are monthly forecasts, there are forecasts on site to within 24 hours and an assessment of the whole value of the existing meteorological data is at present being considered as part of a research project at Sheffield University, sponsored by C.I.R.I.A.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkIn view of the Minister's efforts against the weather, will he confirm that the appallingly large brick stocks of 1,000 million or more and the 150,000 unemployed in the industry are direct fruits of policy rather than of bad weather?
§ Mr. SilkinThe question of brick stocks arises later. I cannot anticipate a later Question on the Order Paper. With reference to the extent of unemployment, I think that hon. Member may see a down-turn in the number in view of the measures already announced by my right hon. Friend on 18th March.