HC Deb 21 March 1945 vol 409 cc800-1
41. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Works whether he has now reconsidered his decision in the case A.S. 63/P.R. 8349/44), details of which are in his possession, of a workman who has been unemployed for several months, having been medically rejected for the Forces and medically certified later by the Ministry of Labour as unfit to work for wages, and who is able to undertake light work on his own account but is refused the necessary facilities for that purpose by the Department.

Mr. Sandys

Yes, Sir. In the light of the fact, which was not originally disclosed, that during the years 1940 to 1942 he was engaged in a supervisory capacity on constructional work of various kinds for the Military Authorities, it has been decided to grant him a certificate of registration as a builder.

Mr. Davies

Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole policy of allowing ordinary skilled workmen to enter the building trades on their own account, especially in view of the fact that this man might not have succeeded in his request if he had not possessed special qualifications?

Mr. Sandys

I am not quite clear about my hon. Friend's point. Cases of this kind are examined by a special committee which has been set up for this purpose. In this case they have recommended that the man should be registered as a builder. It was a borderline case, and they decided in his favour.

Mr. Davies

May I pursue this point? This man has been unemployed for several months because of the policy of the right hon. Gentleman's Department declining to allow an ordinary skilled workman to start business on his own account. Will he go into the principles behind the policy of his Department in that respect?

Mr. Sandys

The question of principle is whether large numbers of men who have not the necessary qualifications should be registered as builders. We have already large numbers of builders all over the country for whom there is insufficient labour. These arrangements have been arrived at in agreement with the building industry, and I propose to adhere to them.