HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 c1879
14. Sir Geoffrey Shakespeare

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consult with the Minister of Supply and other Ministers concerned with a view to releasing the hundreds of thousands of building operatives engaged on war work as soon as the state of the war makes a contraction of war production possible.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

I can assure my hon. Friend that this is a matter which the Government have very much in mind.

Sir G. Shakespeare

Is it not a fact that a high proportion of the workers in the building trades union were ordered to go into war industries and that that will be a favourable factor?

Mr. Willink

That is certainly so, and it is very much in mind.

Mr. Shinwell

Does my right hon. and learned Friend recall the speeches he made when he was a back bencher about the need for speeding up the provision of houses, and will he try to relate promise with performance?

Mr. Willink

I have looked at them again.

Mr. Shinwell

Since my right hon. and learned Friend has perused his speeches, has he profited thereby?

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