HC Deb 15 March 1920 vol 126 cc1785-7
46. Mr. MYERS

asked the Primo Minister where regulations of trade unions prevent the entry of workmen into the trade and industry with which the union is associated, the nature of such regulations and the unions involved, and the extent to which the regulations have retarded the development of the industry concerned?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is not possible for me to give a detailed account of such regulations or their effect. The extent to which craft organisations have, on the one hand, stimulated, and, on the other, retarded industry, is a matter of opinion and the subject of controversy, and is not suitable for treatment by question and answer.

Mr. W. R. SMITH

Did not the right hon. Gentleman make a definite charge against these organisations a few weeks ago. Surely there most be some data in existence to warrant such a statement being made?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have to answer a question on that particular point later. We have got the data—certainly!—and are prepared to publish it.

47. Mr. MYERS

asked the Prime Minister whether his statement that the delay in the country's housing programme is due to the policy of the trade unions was based upon any statistical information; and, if so, will he publish the information in the Parliamentary Report?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will circulate a statement compiled from the reports of local officers of the Ministry of Health, to which I referred in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on the 11th March, and also a copy of the statement which was placed before the Building Resettlement Committee. It will be seen that there is a marked shortage of skilled labour available for housing schemes and other essential building work, and that it is particularly acute in the case of bricklayers, slaters, and plasterers. It is evident that the shortage cannot be made good unless the trade unions agree to a relaxation of their rules.

The following are the Statements referred to:—

ADDITIONAL LABOUR REQUIRED BY HOUSING CONTRACTORS.
Regional area. Bricklayers. Carpenters and Joiners. Slaters and Tilers. Plasterers. Plumbers. Painters and Glaziers. NO. of Houses to which figures refer.
A … … 117 41 — 4 9 — 803
B … … 495 131 7 3 11 8 1,336
C … … 405 128 8 3 4 10 2,492
D … … 136 43 — 8 — — 534
E … … 877 432 76 61 92 229 1,866
F … … 406 133 5 25 35 24 2,098
G … … 131 71 — 30 — 12 311
H … … 113 41 2 29 8 11 515
K … … 218 40 — — — — 1,277
L … … 281 203 — 30 19 16 1,443
M … … 177 81 — — 2 — 530
Total … 3,356 1,344 98 193 180 310 13,205
Total Deficiencies … 5,481 March, 1920.
Mr. MYERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that at the Ministry of Labour in relation to 40,000 unemployed, in connection with building construction, nearly 600 are bricklayers?

The PRIME MINISTER

dissented.

Mr. MYERS

It is published in the "Labour Gazette."