§ 25. Mrs.. Jean Mannasked the Minister of Health if he is prepared to release Scottish building trades operatives in London who are employed making garden gates, repairing garage roofs, leaded lights and ceiling mouldings for the task of building houses for the Scottish people.
§ Mr. BevanI am prepared to consider the release of Scottish operatives, wherever it can be done without prejudice to essential war damage repairs to houses in London.
§ Mrs.. MannWhilst I would be the last to deprive England of the help of Scotsmen in the solution of their problems, may I ask whether the Minister does not recognise that the overcrowding problem in Scotland is six times worse than in England; and whether he would not consider a reciprocal agreement whereby Englishmen might come to the aid now of Scotsmen, to equalise the position?
§ Mr. BevanI think my hon. Friend will discover before very long that all the Scottish building operatives who are in London and who want to go home to Scotland, will be allowed to do so.