HC Deb 07 May 1925 vol 183 c1128
52. . Mr. MARCH

asked the President of the Board of Education in how many cases, if any, the building of elementary, central or secondary schools has been impeded in any way by the shortage of bricklayers or other workmen; and, if in any, will he state in what part of the country this occurred, and when?

Lord E. PERCY

I have not called on local education authorities to supply specific information on this point. Cases come to my notice from time to time where the progress in school building has been impeded by shortage of labour, but it is obvious that a general state of labour shortage in an area will tend to delay the commencement of building, even more than it will tend to impede progress on building already begun.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on some of our new elementary schools in South Yorkshire a number of the tradesmen are working 10 hours and more per day?

Lord E. PERCY

I was not aware of that, but I am very glad to hear it.