asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he accepts the conclusions of the Banwell Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Apart from a few points of detail, I accept the main recommendations of the Banwell Report. Discussions are being held with interested bodies on the implementation of certain conclusions, and Government Departments are themselves evolving and operating new tendering and contractual arrangements in accordance with the principles endorsed by the Committee.

That reply will be received with satisfaction, but is the Minister aware that the Simon Report, a similar Report published in 1944 under his predecessor in a Labour Government, was not implemented? May we have an assurance that this Report will be implemented with the minimum delay?

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman's mind lives 20 years in the past. I cannot be responsible for what happened even a month ago, let alone 20 years ago.

The right hon. Gentleman takes this too lightly. As I understood it, the main recommendation of the Simon Committee was about the contractual procedures which local authorities should be encouraged to introduce. This was endorsed by the Banwell Committee. What steps does the Minister intend to take, in consultation with the Minister of Housing and Local Government, to enable local authorities to make the changes recommended?

I have already said that, in the main, I accept the Report. I am not taking anything lightly. I have had long experience in local government and of dealing with contracts. I have studied this Report and I have already given my answer, namely, that, except for one or two details, we intend to adopt it.