asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what improvements are being made in the procedures of public authorities so that payments for building work are speeded up as recommended by the Banwell Committee.

I am now consulting the public authorities about the Committee's recommendations. When I receive their comments I will consider any action that may be needed to speed up payments.

Is not one of the difficulties the overlapping duplication between the professional officers and the financial officers in certifying payment? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider getting his right hon. Friend to send out a circular drawing attention to these things? Secondly, would it not be a good idea to ask the district auditor to draw attention to the very long delays in payment?

I will certainly consider both suggestions, because I attach a good deal of importance to the prompt honouring of these contractual obligations. I think that local and other public authorities ought to realise that great advantages flow from prompt payment.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress has been made with the establishment of a secretariat to extend the processes of co-ordination and investigation in the building industry as recommended in Chapter 1 of the Banwell Committee's Report.

I am ready to provide secretarial help. I do not think it will be necessary to establish special machinery.

Can the right hon. Gentleman be somewhat more forth-coming? What amount of money will be required for this secretariat, what grades of staff, and how many?

That is not the question. As the consultations proceed and as action seems to be required, we will provide whatever secretarial support may be necessary. What I am concerned with is that we should not in any way undermine the existing consultative machinery. I do not see the need for new machinery, but I will provide all the support which is necessary for the work to go forward.