HC Deb 14 July 1943 vol 391 cc181-2
29. Wing-Commander James

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what is the estimated effect upon the cost of building, for the period between 28th March, 1943, and 2nd June, 1943, of the Orders and Regulations upon wages and working conditions?

Mr. Hicks

My hon. and gallant Friend refers to the dates of 18th March and 2nd June. As I have already stated, the level of building costs is ascertained by my Ministry periodically. The figure of 80 per cent. quoted by my Noble Friend on 18th March was based on figures as ascertained in December, 1942. Special costings were made at the end of May by my Ministry for the purpose of dealing with the agricultural houses. In order to secure the necessary labour by direction the decision was made that the agricultural houses should rank as part of the Government Building Programme. This brought them within the scope of the Essential Work Order and Uniformity Agreement, which, according to my Department's costed figure, made it necessary to add to per cent. to the tender price. In addition to this there was a rise in wages and a rise in materials which added a further 3 per cent. to the cost. Restriction and zoning of transport has in this period also added to the cost of building generally.

Wing-Commander James

Is this not an example that the interference of the Government with private enterprise always raises costs?

Mr. Holdsworth

Could we not have a statement by the Department showing the rise in the cost of building owing to agreements made between the workers, on the one hand, and the Department, on the other?

Mr. Hicks

In reply to the first question, I would not agree that the zoning of transport is an interference with the economic production of the country, but only in so far as it became necessary; and in reply to the second point about having a statement in regard to the agreement that has been made, I have already answered that question in reply to the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) quite recently.

Mr. Holdsworth

As the Minister has not given the figures the House has asked for so often, what is the real increase that is due to this agreement? I cannot think of any answer having been given to that.

Mr. Buchanan

Can the Minister say whether any of the increase is due to the fact that the workers are not giving of their best to the industry?

Mr. Hicks

It is extremely difficult to give a general sort of answer without implying something else. On the uniformity agreement and the cost to be applied there is no gain to the worker at all. He is sent from one part of the country to another; his travelling faze and the cost of subsistence are paid. Under the Essential Work Order he is directed to the fob and has to be held there until such time as he is relieved by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, and that necessarily adds to the cost.

Mr. Buchanan

But you have no evidence that the workers are not giving of their best and are not contributing as well as any other workers?

Mr. Hicks

I have given figures to show that, as far as comparison with pre-war output is concerned, output is higher than it was pre-war.