§ 30. Mr. Hardieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the building contractors refuse to agree to the proposal of the Glasgow Corporation to work overtime on housing schemes urgently required to relieve overcrowding, and that the same contractors association is permitting overtime on the construction of football stands at Hampden Park, Glasgow, and on other commercial schemes; and what action he intends to take to secure priority in materials and labour for housing activities?
§ Mr. ElliotI understand that permission to work overtime is given not by associations of contractors but by a local joint committee representative of employers and operatives in the industry, and that no application for permission has so far been made by the Glasgow Corporation this year. I am informed, also, that only two permits to work overtime are in operation in Glasgow, and that no overtime has been or is being worked at Hampden Park as suggested. With regard to the last part of the question, I am having discussions with representatives of employers and operatives in the building trades, and until these discussions are concluded it is premature to consider further action.
§ 33. Mr. Hardieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Glasgow Corporation housing schemes are being held up because of the shortage of bricks and other materials; that contractors are asking for higher prices because of the rising cost and scarcity of materials; that tradesmen are being taken away from housing to industrial contracts connected with rearmament; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to give preference to housing schemes for labour and materials, in view of the urgent need of building more houses in Glasgow to relieve overcrowding and replace slums?
§ Mr. ElliotI am informed that it is not the case that Glasgow housing schemes are being held up because of the shortage of materials but if the hon. Member has information to the contrary I shall be glad to make further inquiry. 1839 With regard to the second part of the question I am aware that tender prices are rising and that this rise is partly due to increased cost of materials. I am fully alive to the importance of this matter and am keeping a careful watch on the position. With regard to the other parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his previous question.
§ Mr. HardieIf I give the right hon. Gentleman full particulars of the case mentioned here, will he take immediate action upon it?
§ Mr. ElliotI should certainly want to see what the information was, before saying what I would do about it.