§ 85. Mr. A. GREENWOODasked the Minister of Health whether he is requiring the fulfilment of the apprenticeship agreement in the case of all contracts for the erection of houses under the Acts of 1923 and 1924?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt is a condition of approval of housing schemes of local authorities under both the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924 in localities where local building industry committees are in existence that contracts for the erection of houses shall contain provisions for the employment by the contractor of apprentices in the ratio of not less than one 1510 apprentice for every three building trade craftsmen employed by him on or in connection with the housing contract.
§ Mr. GREENWOODWould not that be applied to Weir houses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, I do not think that Weir houses are covered by the operations of the building industry committee.
§ Mr. GREENWOODMay not Weir houses be houses coming under a local authority's scheme under the Act of 1924, receiving subsidy, and, therefore, that condition regarding apprentices should apply?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think the conditions are applicable at all, because, as I understand, Weir houses do not require skilled craftsmen to build them, and the object of the apprenticeship scheme is to increase the supply of skilled labour in those trades where it is now deficient.