HC Deb 13 February 1970 vol 795 cc435-6W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works to what extent his Department has assisted with investigations into the hazards revealed by the Ronan Point disaster, the strengthening of tower blocks, the types of strengthening necessary and the costs involved; and whether he will offer the services of his Department to local authorities in dealing with these types of problems.

Movement of patients on doctors' lists between Scotland and rest of United Kingdom
Year to June To Scotland From Scotland Net
1959 35,100 47,200 -12,000
1960 34,000 (-3) 53,300(+13) -19,300(+61)
1961 37,600 (+7) 63,500(+35) -25,900(+116)
1962 39,800 (+13) 60,300(+28) -20,500(+71)
1 963 39,600(+13) 60,600 (+28) -20,900 (+74)
1964 39,600(+13) 63,700(+35) -24,000(+100)
1965 41,600(+19) 63,600(+35) -21,900(+83)
1966 45,700(+30) 67,400 (+43) -21,700(+81)
1967 48,800(+39) 65,100(+38) -16,300(+36)
1968 49,800(+42) 62,500(+32) -12,700(+6)
1969 51,100(+46) 61,800(+31) -10,700 (-11)

NOTE: Figures in brackets show percentage change, using 1958/59 as the base.

Mr. John Silkin

My Department has taken no direct part in the technical examination of high rise domestic buildings or in the formulation of measures to strengthen particular structures. I have however provided the Ministry of Housing and Local Government with advisory services and my principal professional specialists in structural matters have assisted them in the formulation of advice to local authorities on standards to be adopted in strengthening existing buildings. This assistance will continue; but under arrangements made by Ministry of Housing and Local Government the immediate source of technical advice to local authorities will continue to be the National Building Agency.

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