§ 18. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average number of joiners and bricklayers, respectively, employed in the Empire Exhibition, Glasgow, during the week ending 23rd April; and how many of these are expected still to be employed there after the Exhibition is opened on 3rd May?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Elliot)I am informed by the Exhibition authorities that 1,375 joiners, with 27 apprentices, and 42 bricklayers, with eight apprentices, were employed in the Exhibition during the week ended 23rd April. The authorities do not anticipate that it will be necessary to retain any of these men after the opening of the Exhibition on 3rd May, other than a few who may possibly be required for maintenance work.
§ Mr. GibsonMay I take it, then, that there will not be workmen available for the building of houses in Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotThey will all be available.
§ Mr. GibsonBut there will be no surplus after the Exhibition has opened?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, the whole of the men now employed will be surplus.