34. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Labour whether he has been able to conclude the negotiations, which he has been carrying on since August of last year, to allow the employment of ex-service men on the construction of houses for the working classes; and, if so, will he state the terms?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe negotiations with the National Federation of Building Trades Employers for the employment of 50,000 ex-service men to be trained in the building industry are concluded, and it is hoped that the scheme will start without delay. The main features of the arrangement were explained in the statement which I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on the 23rd of March in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South Kensington, and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy for his information.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman expedite the matter as much as possible? Is he aware that the negotiations have not been proceeding, as stated in the question since August last, but since July, 1919–22 months—and will he take a leaf out of the book of the trade unions who, having decided on direct action, act promptly?
§ Earl WINTERTONWill my right hon. Friend say whether these 50,000 men who are going to be employed will absorb the whole of the ex-service men who desire employment; and if they do not represent this number, are the builders willing to take more; if so, why has the figure been fixed at 50,000?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am sorry to say that there are 400,000 ex-service men unemployed. But 50,000 was the number that, having regard to the requirements of the trade, we thought we could fairly ask to be absorbed.
§ Earl WINTERTONDo not the trade want 100,000 men, and should they not be allowed to take as many as they can get?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAFifty thousand is the number we think can properly be absorbed without fear of unemployment.
§ Viscount CURZONAre we correct in assuming that the right hon. Gentleman has now arrived at the stage of hoping that something will be done? What about some action being taken?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf the Noble Viscount will look at the answer of 23rd March, to which I referred, he will see the scheme set out in detail. I will send him a copy.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWhen does the right hon. Gentleman think the first man will start work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOne man?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, one man?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANext week, I hope.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSGood!