asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress has been made during the last year with regard to the provision of better facilities for building in bad weather; and to what extent building operations this winter have been facilitated by the introduction of more scientific methods.

The main needs are protection for the operatives and protection for the work. We have given a lead in Ministry contracts by requiring improved welfare facilities on building sites. The industry has made considerable advances in the protection of work in progress. Building operations have so far been little hampered by weather this winter.