HC Deb 16 June 1920 vol 130 cc1247-8
36. Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement as to the steps which he Las taken, or proposes to take, to secure reinforcement of labour in the building trade?

Dr. ADDISON

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and myself have been in negotiation for some months with the trades unions in regard to the employment of ex-service men in the building trades. I have myself laid a proposal before the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, and this has been further discussed with a Committee of operatives, which was appointed by the Parliamentary Committee as a result of my conference with them. I regret that no scheme has yet been brought into operation. I understand that a definite proposal is at present under consideration by the Joint Industrial Council of the building trades. The whole question of labour in the building trade is engaging the attention of the Government.

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that at the present time there is sufficient labour in the building trade for the 110,000 houses for which he has sanctioned tenders?

Dr. ADDISON

I am quite sure that the amount of labour available for this work is entirely insufficient.

Mr. A. SHAW

Is Scotland covered by these conferences?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, as far as I know.

Earl WINTERTON

In view of the great importance of this question, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange with the Leader of the House for us to discuss this matter immediately a decision is come to by the Trade Union Congress, or whatever they call themselves?

Dr. ADDISON

I will consult my right hon. Friend about it.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman announce the decision as soon as it is come to?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, I will arrange for a question to be put down.

Mr. MALONE

Is it not the fact that a great amount of labour is being expended on factories, not otherwise required, which are producing useless articles?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, I think there is some justification for that remark.

Mr. SHORT

Is there not sufficient labour to deal with the schemes that have already been endorsed?

Dr. ADDISON

No, Sir, there is not. There was last week a shortage of 10,000 men on the schemes already in operation.

Colonel GREIG

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland there is a shortage of at least 14,000 men?