§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local councils in England and Wales had their own direct labour building departments in the years 1964 and 1970, respectively; and if he will list the names of those authorities which at present maintain such departments in the administrative counties of West Suffolk, East Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
§ Mr. Freeson:Local authority returns show that in 1964 185 local authorities in England and Wales had building operatives engaged on new housing work. In September, 1969 the number was 149. Figures for 1970 are not yet available. The following local authorities in the administrative counties of West Suffolk, East Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex are currently carrying out housebuilding schemes by direct labour: Bury St. Edmunds Borough, Colchester Borough and Harlow Urban District.