§ 3. Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to make a statement in regard to the work of the Labour Supply Board, and the inspectors appointed thereunder who have visited Government buildings, factories, etc.; and whether the inspectors have reported on any delay in the execution of contracts, and the causes they attribute thereto?
§ Mr. AsshetonI assume that my hon. Friend's Question relates particularly to building and civil engineering contracts. The Labour Supply Board advises the Minister on questions arising in this connection, as in others, and has before it the points arising from visits to such works by the Department's building labour inspectors, who at present number six. It is not the function of the inspectors to discover cases of delay in the execution of contracts. They are sent to investigate cases in which there is an alleged delay due to shortage of labour, and to recommend what steps should be taken to supply additional labour, or, it may be, to ensure the more effective use of the existing labour or to call attention to the need for better organisation of the supply of materials. I may add that copies of the inspectors' reports are made available to all Departments concerned.
§ Mr. HicksAm I to understand that the inspectors' inquiries are limited to the question of labour supply?
§ Mr. AsshetonThe inspectors, in making their reports, take into consideration all factors that have any bearing on labour supply.
§ Mr. HicksIs the Minister satisfied that, in connection with any delay that may have occurred on any of these jobs, there has been no "ca' canny"?
§ Mr. AsshetonI have not suggested that delays are due to "ca' canny." The Government are very grateful for the help that has been given by all sections of the industry towards the war effort, and they count on its continuance.