§ 33. Mr. ASHLEYasked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the fact that large buildings are being erected near a southern seaport by his Department by direct labour, he will state what other Government Departments are carrying out building operations in this manner; and what precedents there are for its adoption?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)The Minister of Munitions is not in a position to give the information asked for with respect to other Government Departments. For many years Government factories have been in the habit of employing direct labour for carrying out building operations.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIf the right hon. Gentleman says that Government Departments have been doing it, can he not give the information? He must have the information or he could not state that it has been done in the past.
§ Dr. ADDISONI said that Government factories had done it in the past. I do not know whether other Government Departments are doing it at the present time