HC Deb 08 October 1924 vol 177 cc501-3
29. Mr. E. SIMON

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to secure the fulfilment of his treaty with labour for an increase in the number of apprentices in the skilled building trades; whether he has set up local committees for this purpose; and what number of apprentices have been taken on since the passing of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924?

38. Mr. BRIANT

asked the Minister of Health if the recommendations of the employers and workmen in the building industry that one apprentice should be allowed to three craftsmen in the principal building trades is actually being carried into effect at the present time?

Mr. WHEATLEY

The arrangements for putting into operation the proposals of the National House Building Committee for increasing the building resources of the industry are progressing rapidly but have not been completed. I hope to announce very shortly the appointment of a representative Committee whose principal duty will be to give practical effect to those proposals.

Mr. SIMON

Does that mean that to-day, two months after the passing of the Housing Act, no effective step has yet been taken to increase the amount of labour?

Mr. WHEATLEY

No. That only means that to-day, about eight days after we have resumed business, we have almost completed our arrangements.

Viscountess ASTOR

Does that mean that no apprentices have been taken on since then?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I have had no report for the past seven days.

Viscountess ASTOR

No, no! That is not what I mean.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the building trade has been in recess whilst the House has been up?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Does the fact that the building trades operatives have given notice to cancel the last treaty entered into affect the provision of apprentices?

Viscountess ASTOR

Hear, hear! That is it.

Mr. WHEATLEY

No. No notice that has been given applies to this scheme at all. Both employers and employés have, within the past seven days, informed that they will enthusiastically carry out the promises they have made.

Mr. H. H. SPENCER

When the Minister stated that Socialism would come in 10 years why did he make a 15 years' treaty with the building trade?

Mr. SPEAKER

This is not the time for that point.