HC Deb 05 November 1974 vol 880 cc131-2W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on his proposed alterations of the consultative procedure with the construction industry.

Mr. Freeson

At the meeting of the National Consultative Council of the Building and Civil Engineering Industries on 18th September 1974 I proposed that the council should establish, under my chairmanship, a special liaison committee to provide more direct and immediate contact between the industry and Government than the present formal consulta- tive arrangements allow. I proposed that the committee should have wide terms of reference to consider and keep under regular review the situation in the construction industries, with particular reference to the balance of supply and demand, and the planning and other measures needed to enable the industry to meet increases in demand quickly and economically. The council generally welcomed the proposal. I invited members to submit written comments and when all these have been received I shall put my conclusions to the council.