HC Deb 02 November 1976 vol 918 cc528-30W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether any local authorities have received loan sanction since 11th February 1976 to build dwellings for sale by direct labour; and, if so, whether he will name the scheme in each case, the gross tender price and the number of dwellings involved;

(2) whether he will list the local authorities which have received loan sanction to build dwellings by direct labour since 2nd February 1976, naming the scheme in each case, the gross tender price and the number of dwellings involved.

Mr. Freeson

I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many operatives and professional, clerical and administrative staff were employed in local authority direct labour building departments in October 1975 and April 1976, respectively, on new housing, other new work, housing repairs and maintenance and non-housing repairs and maintenance.

Mr. Freeson

The breakdown by type of work is available only for operatives. The figures are as follows:

LOCAL AUTHORITIES' EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED ON CONSTRUCTION WORK GREAT BRITAIN
October 1975 April 1976
Operatives
New Work—housing 11,569 12,665
non-housing 14,317 14,228
Repairs and maintenance—
housing 76,143 75,563
non-housing 75,033 71,560
Total 177,062 174,016
Administrative, professional, technical and clerical staff 88,305 87,840

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many meetings have so far been held by the Working Party on Direct Labour; and when it is expected to produce its report.

Mr. Freeson

The Departmental Working Party on Direct Labour has held two meetings. It will take some time for the working party to complete its task.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the persons or organisations outside the Civil Service which have so far given (a) oral and (b) written evidence to his Working Party on Direct Labour.

Mr. Freeson

The following have submitted written evidence to the Departmental Working Party on Direct Labour:

  • Asphalt and Coated Macadam Association
  • Association of Metropolitan Authorities
  • Cambridgeshire County Council
  • Committee of Associations of Specialist Engineering Contractors
  • Federation of Associations of Specialists and Sub-Contractors
    • 530
  • Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
  • Harlow District Council
  • Institute of Municipal Building Management
  • Institution of Municipal Engineers
  • London Borough Council of Hackney
  • National Building Agency
  • National Federation of Building Trades Employers
  • Nimrod Heating Ltd.
  • Redland Roadstone Ltd.
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Stoke on Trent City Council
  • Trades Union Congress
  • Mr. W. R. Turner

No oral evidence has so far been given.