HC Deb 08 December 1925 vol 189 cc250-1
67. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the great need of housing in Glasgow and also the number of unemployed building-trade workers in that city; and if he will take any steps to secure the provision of houses and absorb the unemployed labour?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am aware that there are a number of unemployed building trade workers in Glasgow. I understand that the difficulty at present mainly arises from a great shortage of labour in certain key trades, in particular plasterers. The last return in my possession shows, for example, that, in the Knightswood scheme, there are 412 houses at plaster work stage, and only two foremen, two journeymen and two apprentices at work, a shortage of 30 plasterers and two lathers being indicated here by the Corporation. Committees were set up last year by the building industry to deal with this question, and I am awaiting their suggestions. Meanwhile, I am pressing upon authorities the need for using all methods to secure the speedier supply of houses.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Labour, in answer to a question; last Wednesday, stated that the week previously there were 17 plasterers who were idle in Glasgow and drawing benefit, and that he could not place them in work, and that the Corporation of Glasgow could not find them jabs? Will the right hon. Gentleman state why there is the contradiction as to a shortage of plasterers while there are 17 men drawing benefit and no work can be found for them by the local authority?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I cannot accept the hon. Member's statement. The Minister of Labour said that no work could be found for the men. I am so dissatisfied with the position that I am having special inquiries made at this moment as to the number of plasterers who are unemployed.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men last Thursday sent a special deputation to the Glasgow Corporation asking that work could be found for them at a place stated, that the 17 men were prepared to start work the next day, and that no work has been found for them up to the present?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir; I am not aware of that fact, but I am at the moment making inquiries into the subject.