§ 54. Mr. Cocksasked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will consider putting a stop to the use of steel, concrete and skilled labour on private works, and transferring all three to works of national importance, such as the construction of fortifications?
§ The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Greenwood)Arrangements have been in existence since the outbreak of war for priority to be given to direct and indirect Government works. Labour and materials are being diverted from less essential works, and additional steps are being taken to reserve steel and other materials in short supply for works of urgent national importance.
§ Mr. CocksWhile I recognise the accuracy of that answer, cannot the Government go further towards stopping the unnecessary use of material for 982 private work and using it for more important work?
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe Ministry of Supply is now on the point of issuing an Order which will make it necessary to obtain a licence for the further use of steel on buildings.