§ 61. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of health whether, in connection with the present building dispute, he is sanctioning in connection with housing schemes the arrangements made by certain local authorities with the local operatives whereby the present demands of the trade concerning an all-round increase of 1d. per hour, the strict observance of the 44-hour week, and guarantees against lime lost are conceded?
Mr. GREENWOODNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend proposes to take no steps favouring either one side or the other in the dispute.
§ 62. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether the present building dispute is affecting the housing scheme of the local authorities or house building by private builders?
Mr. GREENWOODGenerally, the answer is in the affirmative, though my right hon. Friend has no specific information as to the position in detail.
§ 70. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the very serious delays which are being occasioned in the completion of important building works owing to the insufficient supply of bricklayers, masons, and plasterers; and, seeing that, notwithstanding that it is admitted that there is practically no unemployment in these branches of the building industry, building unions forbid their operatives to work overtime, what action does he propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. SHAWI have been asked to reply. I understand that the Report of the Court of Inquiry concerning the dis- 370 pute in the building industry will be available this afternoon. I hope that, following it, there will be renewed discussions between the parties, with a view to the settlement of all the matters in dispute, including the question of overtime referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman admit that, notwithstanding the fact that there has been no unemployment in these branches of the building industry, the unions have forbidden the men to work overtime?