HC Deb 03 March 1919 vol 113 cc3-4
89. Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will negotiate with the trade unions in the building trade with a view to their undertaking to erect through their own organisation a large part of the new cottages which the country needs?

Major ASTOR

It is contemplated that the houses which are to be provided under the Government scheme of financial assistance will generally be erected through the agency of the local authorities or public utility societies. It will rest with those bodies to make the arrangements for their construction. I am not aware that any trade unions have yet made definite offers on the lines suggested.

An HON. MEMBER

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the co-operative societies of this country when he considers the public utility services and. give them the same consideration?