§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what policy initiatives he has taken since February 1974 with regard to matching supplies of materials to proposed building and renovation plans;
(2) what policy initiatives he has taken since February 1974 with regard to liaison with the construction industry in (a) Scotland and (b) in the United Kingdom, on housing construction matters.
§ Mr. FreesonI have been asked to reply.
I maintain both directly and through my Department very close and frequent 804W contact with the construction industry, including the building materials industry, in Great Britain. This is done through the formal consultation machinery with the industry and informally. I have strengthened the consultation arrangements with the industry by establishing in April 1975 the Construction Industry Liaison Group. My sponsorship responsibilities for the industry do not extend to Northern Ireland.