§ 41. Sir S. HOAREasked whether an inquiry is to be had into the charge that output is restricted in the building trade?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe possibility of securing an effective inquiry is under consideration.
§ Sir S. HOARECan the right hon. Gentleman say when this inquiry is going to be held? The right hon. Gentleman is aware that it has been pressed for some months past.
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is mainly, of course, a matter for the Ministry of Labour, but it is very difficult to secure an effective inquiry.
§ Mr. SHORTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any real information to justify this charge against men employed in the building trade?
§ Dr. ADDISONThere is a considerable body of opinion of a kind, but it is always difficult in these matters to obtain precise details.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chief charge is against the bricklayers, and will he put himself into communication with the general secretary of that organisation and find out for himself?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe are in communication with a very large number of individuals.
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman himself pressing for such an inquiry?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe are doing all we can to obtain reliable information.
§ Sir S. HOAREBut is he himself pressing for an inquiry?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have answered as well as I can. I do not know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means by an inquiry. We are making all the inquiries we can.
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an hon. Member made several charges last week—
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order!