§ 8. Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the privatisation of the Building Research Establishment. [20943]
§ The Minister for Construction, Planning and Energy Efficiency (Mr. Robert B. Jones)PA Consulting submitted its report last month on the options for transferring the Building Research Establishment to the private sector. I am currently considering its findings, and in the near future I expect to reach a decision collectively with colleagues on the way forward.
§ Mr. HansonDoes the Minister accept that the safety of buildings should be a matter of public concern, not private profit? Will he take on board the concerns of the construction industry, and drop the proposal?
§ Mr. JonesI certainly take on board what the construction industry has to say. That is why representatives of the industry were involved in the assessment procedure. They have made a suggestion themselves, which I am seriously considering.
§ Mr. DobsonWill the Minister confirm that one of the valuable services provided by the Building Research Establishment up to now is advice to councils on asbestos removal? Will he also confirm that it would have been better for Westminster city council to seek such advice from the Building Research Establishment than for Tory councillors to get together in a secret cabal to place homeless families in buildings that they knew to be riddled with asbestos—and, as an independent report has confirmed, to do it for cheap, short-term party political gain?
§ Mr. JonesThe Government's view is that all organisations should take into account all sensible advice on health and safety. That continues to be our policy, and will be for as long as the present Government are here and determined to tackle any problems that occur.