HC Deb 23 November 1977 vol 939 cc777-8W
8. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what practical steps have been taken to distribute the £100 million announced as being available to the construction industry in major cities.

Mr. Shore

About 50 local authorities in England were invited to put forward packages of construction projects for approval. All but eight of these have been received and packages agreed. Following approval, work on individual projects is being put in hand by the local authorities concerned as soon as the necessary practical arrangements can be made.

31. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the Chancellor's recent Budget Statement, he will say what prospects he now sees for increased activity in (a) the private sector of the construction industry and (b) by direct labour organisations.

Mr. Freeson

There will be more work for all sectors of the industry. It is for local authorities to decide whether to employ their direct labour organisations on programmes for which they are responsible.

38. Mr. Cope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to meet representatives of the construction industry to discuss the nationalisation of the industry.

Mr. Freeson

I shall ensure that representative bodies are fully consulted on any proposals which the Government develop for extending public enterprise in the construction industry.