§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he accepts the forecast of a drop of 6 per cent. in construction output in 1974, and a further drop of 2 per cent. in 1975, recently published by the EDC for building; and what representation his Department has on that body.
§ Mr. FreesonThese are not Government forecasts and relate only to new work. Nevertheless, I recognise that, in consequence of the disastrous situation inherited from the previous administration, particularly the expenditure cuts of December 1973, there is likely to be a significant decline in construction output in 1974 and 1975, compared with the level for 1973. Two officials from my Department are members of the EDC for building.