§ 64. Mr. ALSTEADasked the Minister of Health the number of bricklayers, plasterers, joiners, flaggers and slaters, and plumbers employed in the building trade in England and Wales on 1st January, 1924, and 1st July, 1924, respectively; and whether he is satisfied that the present number of such building-trade craftsmen is sufficient to enable the industry to provide the number of new houses as set out in the First Schedule of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill, 1924, especially in respect to the years 1925 and 1926?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYAs the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. ALSTEADWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how he managed to get the figures set out in the Schedule to the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill, unless he is in possession of the information for which I now ask?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have not said that I am not in possession of the information, but that it involves a tabular statement, which might be wearisome to the House, and which, accordingly, I propose to circulate.
§ Mr. ALSTEADIs the right hon. Gentleman really in possession of that information?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYYes.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEIs it not the fact that that information is contained in the. Building Trades Report, which has been published, and which is already in the hands of hon. Members?
§ Following is the answer:
§ Complete information is not available as to the numbers of men employed in the building trade on the dates referred to, but the following estimates are based on the numbers of insured workpeople working for employers in October, 1923:
§ Occupation and number of skilled men employed in the building trade in England and Wales in October, 1923.
| Bricklayers | 53,630 |
| Plasterers | 13,910 |
| Carpenters & Joiners | 106,880 |
| Slaters | 2,880 |
| Plumbers | 28,430 |