§ 19 and 21. Mr. Mortasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (1) what steps are being taken by his Ministry to enlist the support and advice and collaboration of the building industry in regard to the Government building programme; and
(2) whether he has any information to give the House regarding the mobilising or control of the building industry in view of the public interest recently shown in the matter?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)Among the recent steps taken to enlist the support, advice and collaboration of the building industry, my Noble 1195 Friend has arranged for an investigation to be made into the best means to secure a united body fully representative of all interests connected with building and construction work. Also, the Minister of Works and Buildings has, with the Minister of Labour, initiated discussions with the building industries which have now reached a stage when it will be possible to take effective action to secure the maximum effort of which the building industry is capable; and I would like to pay a tribute to the patriotic and unselfish attitude exhibited by many in the industry in this matter.
§ Mr. Gordon MacdonaldWill my hon. Friend keep in mind, when he sets up this body, that it is essential that it should have the full confidence of all operating in the building industry?