§ 80. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the serious effect which the building strike will have upon the housing proposals of the Government, he can make any further statements as to the policy which the Ministry proposes to adopt in respect to it?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am unable to make any statement on the subject at the present time.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the conditions which the strikers make in regard to returning to work, namely, a guaranteed week, would enormously increase the cost of houses?
Sir G. DOYLE(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether 1779 he is in a position to state the result of the Court of Inquiry into the building trade dispute; whether a strike has been declared; whether such a strike is official or sectional; and whether he can state how many operatives have already taken part in the dispute?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Shaw)After a preliminary meeting on Friday, the Court of Inquiry commenced hearing evidence on Saturday, and are so engaged to-day. The hon. Member may be assured that the Court are proceeding with their difficult and important task as rapidly as possible. With regard to the other parts of the hon. Member's question, I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the matter.