HC Deb 11 March 1942 vol 378 cc1038-9
20. Mr. Bossom

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his Department possesses any statistics regarding the number of building trade operatives, skilled and unskilled, still employed upon non-essential work; and are there any building trade operatives unoccupied, but standing by, ready to make repairs in the event of serious enemy action?

Mr. Hicks

Continuous action is taken through the operation of the Civil Building Licensing Control, and in other ways, to ensure, as far as possible, that no building and civil engineering work is carried out which is not of an essential character. I have no statistics to indicate the number of workers still so employed, but a close investigation is now being made. With regard to the second part of the Question, there are no building trade operatives kept unoccupied in order to be available to do urgent air damage repair work.

Mr. Bossom

Is my hon. Friend aware that if one goes by almost any of these bombed places, one sees men messing about trying to straighten up these places, and does he know how many men are needed on work essential for carrying on the war which is still delayed at the present time?

Mr. Hicks

I can assure the hon. Member that the question of the building labour and building needs of the country is under very keen review every day, and as far as we are concerned, every economy is exercised in the employment of labour.

Mr. Bossom

Is my hon. Friend aware that if he takes a walk from the House to Oxford Circus, he will see at least 100 men doing literally nothing at the present time?

Mr. Kirkwood

What about the men sitting here and doing nothing?