HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 cc1233-4
1. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour what replies have been sent to the offers of assistance to the Government from the Building Industries National Council; and whether it is the desire of the Government to co-operate with this body to the fullest possible extent?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

A deputation from the Building Industries National Council was received by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply on 11th January when the problems of the industry were fully discussed and the representatives of the Council offered to co-operate with the Government in an advisory capacity. The Works and Building Priority Sub-Committee, which is an integral part of the Government's priority organisation, already has the benefit of the advice of representatives of employers and workpeople in the building and civil engineering industries. The question of bringing members of the Council into consultation is at present under consideration.

Mr. Mander

What requests for cooperation were made prior to that, and since the war broke out?

Mr. Brown

The Question which the hon. Member asked referred to the offers that have been made. I have replied to that Question, but if the hon. Member will put down another Question, I will give him an answer.

6. Sir Robert Tasker

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in the building industry according to the latest statistics, and the numbers in September, October, November and December, 1939?

Mi. Brown

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The table below shows the numbers of insured persons, aged 14–64, recorded as unemployed in the building industry classification in Great Britain at one date in each month from September to December, 1939. Corresponding figures are not yet available in respect of any date since nth December, 1939.

Date. Number.
11th September, 1939 … … 94,671
16th October, 1939 … … 130,805
13th November, 1939 … … 144,725
11th December, 1939 … … 156,207