§ 95. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make arrangements for compensation to be paid to panel system construction firms to cover the cost of modifications of previously acceptable designs, made under the revised requirements of his Department subsequent to the collapse at Ronan Point; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe cost of modifications to the design of existing blocks, or 85W those in contract, is a matter for settlement between the local authority and the firm who are parties to a particular contract.
§ 96. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make arrangements for compensation to be paid to panel system construction firms whose plants are now idle while his Department is seeking agreement on revised manufacturing standards subsequent to the collapse at Ronan Point.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThere is no question of plant standing idle because the Department is seeking agreement on revised standards. I issued advice on standards for strengthening existing blocks and designing new ones on 15th November, 1968, only nine days after the Tribunal's Report was published; and further guidance was given on 20th December. If a firm need further day-to-day advice it is readily available from the National Building Agency. Advice on the general application of the standards or on especially difficult cases may be obtained from the panel of professional advisers which I have appointed.