23. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he has now ascertained the amount of usable building plant lying idle in this country; and whether he has any statement to make?
§ Mr. HicksYes, Sir. The Ministry of Works receives regular returns from all persons owning heavy contractor's plant. Notwithstanding war-time difficulties, plant under repair constitutes roughly about 10 per cent. of the total. The amount of idle and usable plant is negligible.
Mr. DavidsonAre the figures which my hon. Friend obtains regularly placed before the other Departments concerned with the building programme of the country?
§ Mr. HicksYes, Sir. I think I can give that assurance. We have six regional advisers on plant who are constantly being informed about all the heavy plant in the country. It is all being used; I can assure my hon. Friend of that.