HC Deb 28 September 1944 vol 403 cc390-2
9. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the conditions created by the shortage of housing accommodation and the importance of houses, either permanent or temporary, being available for the men and women who will be discharged and demobilised from the forces, he is taking steps to secure the immediate withdrawal from the Forces of all building trades operatives whose services as building trades workers are not required in the Forces.

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. It would not be practicable, at the present stage of the war, to secure the wholesale temporary release of building trade workers from the Forces for the purpose of building new houses, but they have been and are being released in considerable numbers for urgent work on house repairs.

Mr. Brown

Does the Minister realise that unless our preparations for dealing with this matter are vastly greater than they show any signs of being at the moment, we may find ourselves confronted with a social crisis at least as serious as any military crisis?

Mr. Bevin

Anyone who sees the casualties in the war must realise that one of my very important duties, as Minister of Labour, is to maintain the military forces until victory is achieved. I must make that the main consideration, and I must not be stampeded into action which would lead to disaster.

Mr. Thorne

Is it possible to withdraw men from some other industries, where there is practically a surplus of labour, to help the building industry?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, we are doing that. We are not only combing out building trade workers, but men from the munitions and other industries who are capable of doing repair work are being transferred at the present moment. But it must be remembered that billeting in London is not easy at the moment, with the vast numbers of men that we are bringing in.

Mr. Molson

While fully realising that my right hon. Friend cannot take men from the Fighting Forces, might I ask whether he is prepared to reconsider the calling up of men over 40 from the building trade in the last few months?

11. Mr. Colegate

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the changing circumstances of the war against Germany, and the serious housing position, he is now prepared to release more labour for the building trade, and for the brick, cement and other industries supplying materials essential for house building.

Mr. Bevin

It is the intention of the Government, after the end of European hostilities, to augment as rapidly as possible the labour force of the building industry and of industries which produce materials required for building. In the meantime, with a view to the special problem of bomb damage repair work in London, considerable numbers of skilled building trade workers have been and are being temporarily released from the Forces for this work, and steps are being taken to bring back to the building industry skilled craftsmen who are now employed in other industries and to make additional labour available for the production of certain materials much in demand for repair work.

Mr. Colegate

Does my right hon. Friend realise that one of the reasons for the slow start in building houses after the last war was that the building materials industries had not been got going in time, and will he bear that in mind?

Mr. Bevin

During this war, as explained by the noble Lord in another place, practically all the brickworks and building material operators have been kept on a care and maintenance basis, so that, immediately the chance comes to give them labour, they can start off immediately.

Mr. E. Walkden

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the conditions which he has just explained to the House apply to the young engineering assistants in the employ of local authorities, and does he intend to review the maintenance staffs on aerodromes and similar war stations, where there appears to be a surplus?

Mr. Bevin

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. Walkden

Will the Minister look into it?