HC Deb 11 April 1945 vol 409 cc1819-20

The following Question stood on the Order Paper:

42. MR. LOGAN to ask the Minister of Works, in view of the priority rights of labour and material conceded to bombed areas, what action he has taken to provide labour and material for Liverpool.

Mr. Logan

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the Question 42, I also put two other Questions, which now appear on the Order Paper as numbers 70 and 71 to the Minister of Health, to the Minister of Works. Could the Minister of Works reply to them?

Mr. Speaker

The Minister can only reply to the Question which is addressed to him.

Mr. Sandys

Except in a few cases such as London, where the needs are exceptional, labour has not for some time past been transferred to any part of the country for bomb damage repairs. Owing to heavy damage caused since last summer there is a shortage of certain building materials such as slates, plaster and plasterboard, but in the distribution of available supplies Liverpool has been given a fair share in common with other towns which have suffered heavy damage.

Mr. Logan

Is it possible for priority to be given to a seaport such as Liverpool, which has suffered such great loss, when London has had its job done?

Mr. Sandys

I think I explained yesterday how much more there is still left to be done in London, but even leaving that out of account, Liverpool and all other towns which have been damaged are in fact receiving their fair share of the total supply. There is a shortage, but they are getting their fair share, having regard to their need in relation to the needs of other towns.