§ 74. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his attention has been drawn to the position of a number of medium sized and small building concerns who are threatened with total stoppage; and whether he will avoid the policy of creating a building monopoly for a few large concerns?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)I am aware that some of the medium sized and smaller building concerns are apprehensive as to their ability to continue; and I regret that, as the amount of building work that can be done is diminishing, there will necessarily be fewer opportunities of work open to all firms in the industry. I fully appreciate, however, the need for keeping this important part of the industry in existence and every practical step is being taken to secure that, within the limits of a contracting programme, the medium sized and smaller building concerns are given an opportunity of tendering for work which is available and for which they are suited.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that under the present arrangements of different categories he practically guarantees perpetual work to the larger firms, and that as large contracts diminish these firms often come into a lower category but the smaller man drops out completely? Will he look into that system and see that fair play is given to the smaller contractors?
§ Mr. HicksMy hon. Friend is aware that every effort is being made to see that where a large contract is given it is insisted upon that there shall be a large amount of sub-contracting so that the smaller firms may be used.
§ Mr. BurkeCan the Parliamentary Secretary not make arrangements so that when a large contract is given in the North some of the available labour there is used instead of having it brought from the South?
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Parliamentary Secretary confirming what I said that the larger contractors are practically guaranteed perpetual work?