asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what evidence he has of the adoption by building contractors of the recommendations contained in the pamphlet Winter Building issued by his Deparmtment.

Many of the recommendations were already the practice of progressive firms, and reports which we have been receiving show that an increasing number of other firms now appreciate the advantages of continuity of working.

What is the present state of progress in making contracts in such a way that contractors are obliged to hurry on with building? The Parliamentary Secretary will recollect that this question was left open in the Winter Building pamphlet. What is the present situation?

My right hon. Friend has said that he is considering this question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary seized of the idea that, despite what his Tight hon. Friend says, the building industry needs a far greater labour force if it is to fulfil all the priorities of the present Government, let alone the greatly expanded priorities of the next?

This Question is related to winter building.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that some building firms use inclement weather clauses in contracts as a method of escaping responsibility for the capital investment which would enable them to continue through the winter?

As my right hon. Friend has said on another occasion, this is a matter which we are examining. The Banwell Committee is examining contractual procedures and will also be considering matters of that kind.