§ 7. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulties that landlords are experiencing in getting essential repairs done to roofs, etc., of farm buildings; and will he therefore discontinue the calling up of building operatives in country districts who are engaged on this work?
§ Mr. BevinUnder present arrangements building operatives who are not in the lowest age groups are not being called up, 1263 but they may be considered for transfer to work of higher priority. The importance of essential repairs to farm buildings is fully recognised and would be taken into account before any man engaged on that work was withdrawn.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the Minister aware of the short determent—three months—that has been given to these men when in business on their own, and does he think it reasonable for them to enter into contracts for repair to buildings with such a short term of deferment?