§ 42. Captain WATERHOUSEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that men employed on the Leicester Corporation housing contract are forced to use pieces of wood or slate to lay the cement bedding for concrete blocks owing to the fact that the Bricklayers' Union will not permit them to use trowels; and, in view of the fact that this action is prejudicial to the weather-proof quality of the work, impedes progress, thereby tending to increase the burden on the ratepayers, and is of no advantage to the bricklayers, he will take steps to get this restriction withdrawn?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have made inquiries into the matter to which my hon. Friend refers. I am informed that the method adopted is not the result of any prohibition of the use of trowels by the Bricklayers' Union, but that it has been found to be the method best adapted to the particular system of building in use.
§ Captain WATERHOUSEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked one of the men using this tool, and he said he could greatly increase his production if he was allowed to use a trowel, but that the union prevented him?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAre these men members of the Bricklayers' Union? If not, why not? If they are, when did the Bricklayers' Union prevent bricklayers from using trowels?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot now discuss that subject.