HC Deb 10 February 1970 vol 795 cc1060-1
12. Mr. Speed

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works by how much the output of the construction industries, measured at constant 1963 prices, declined in 1969; and to what factors he attributes that decline.

24. Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether, taking 1963 as equalling 100, he will give the figures of the index of production of all construction work, seasonally adjusted, of the third quarter of 1959 and the equivalent figures for 1964 and 1969.

Mr. John Silkin

Information for the full year 1969 is not yet complete, but, taking 1963 as 100, the indices of total construction output for the third quarters are 1959, 89; 1964, 111; and 1969, 118.

Mr. Speed

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that if, as appears likely, there has been a decline in constant prices in 1969 compared with 1968, this is the first such decline since 1951? Is it not apparent that his predecessor was grossly optimistic in his forecast to the House on 3rd December, 1968?

Mr. Silkin

The figures will be available in any event at the end of February. I derive some amusement from the hon. Gentleman's use of the word "decline" in his original Question. A decline would bring us almost to the low level reached when right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite were in charge, and that is not what has happened.

Mr. Baker

Do not the figures show that growth in the output of the construction industry runs at about 1 per cent. a year under Socialism whereas it is about 5 per cent. a year under Conservatism? What does the Minister intend to do about it?

Mr. Sillkin

It does not show anything of the sort.

Mr. Ashton

Has my right hon. Friend any forecast of what construction output would be if right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite abolished housing subsidies, as apparently was threatened at the Selsdon Park conference?

Mr. Silkin

I have not. It is bad enough trying to answer for the Opposition, without going into the future as well. At a time of housing shortage, such as after the passing of the Tory Rent Act of 1957, when a record of evictions was established by right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite, their figure was 254,000 in the year.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is it not time that the right hon. Gentleman stopped cheating the House, as he did on the last occasion on which he was asked this question, by taking refuge in current price figures of output, which are totally meaningless? Is it not time that he took off his blinkers and realised how serious the situation is in the construction industry? Will he not get down to doing something about it?

Mr. Silken

I am replying to Questions as they are asked me. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask me Questions, he is entitled to do so at any time.