§ 77. Mr. E. SIMONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that builders building subsidy houses in Manchester are paying up to 4d. an hour above the standard rate for bricklayers, with the result that the contractors who are building for the corporation and paying the standard rate are getting so few bricklayers that one important contract will at the present rate take over 20 years to complete; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent exploitation of this kind?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am not aware of the rates of wages paid by the particular builders referred to, but if the scheme I have laid before the House is adopted, I believe that the industry will be able to make such arrangements as will ensure a sufficient supply of labour for the local authorities' housing schemes.
§ Mr. SIMONCan the right hon. Gentleman say, in the meantime, how we are to get labour for our big schemes when paying the full rates, if other people using the subsidy pay 4d. an hour more?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYIt is because of these difficulties that I am asking the House to give me the powers contained in the Housing Bill.
§ Mr. SIMONCannot the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to prevent non-federated employers paying that extra rate?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYIf the hon. Gentleman can suggest any way in which I can help the Manchester Corporation to find the necessary labour, I shall be very pleased to co-operate.