HC Deb 29 June 1978 vol 952 cc647-8W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of State ownership of the building and construction industries, together with the expected annual running cost;

(2) what assessment he has made of the cost of public ownership of the building industry, in relation to the likely costs of construction and any improvements in productivity;

(3) if he will give an assurance that no proposals will be put forward to nationalise the construction industry, in the light of the likely effects, such as raising interest rates, prices and the money supply, and lowering the exchange rate.

Mr. Freeson

My right hon. Friend has no proposal to nationalise the building and construction industry. No assessment of costs has therefore been made.