§ 12. Mr. JESSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that there is such a shortage of men to-day in the building industry and that this shortage prevents the immediate building 1492 of sufficient working-class dwellings, he will favourably consider an application to allow building-trade operatives now serving in the Army to put aside their military duties and accept employment, either individually or collectively, with private employers in the building industry in competition with civilian building-trade employees and on the same footing that Army bandsmen are allowed to compete with professional musicians; and, if not, if he will state the reasons for his refusal?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn view of the fact that there is only a small number of men of the building trade remaining in the Army, and that all those who are not serving on regular attestations will be released by the 30th April, 1920, it is regretted that the hon. Member's suggestion cannot be entertained.