Albert Costain


Sir Albert Costain was a Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom. He was Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe from 1959 to 1983, preceding future Conservative leader Michael Howard.
Costain was educated at King James's School, Knaresborough and the College of Estate Management. He became production director on the formation of Richard Costain Limited in 1933 and was later chairman of the company. The Sir Albert Costain Memorial Awards, named after Albert, because of the importance he put on training, are awarded to trainee staff for successful achievement.
During his parliamentary career he was Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of Public Building and Works from 1962 to 1964, to the Minister of Technology in 1970, to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1970–72, and to the Secretary of State for the Environment from 1972–74.
Costain was also a member of the Speaker's panel of chairman in the House of Commons. He was knighted in July 1980.