§ 11. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Health, in view of the disquieting features revealed at the recent meeting of the Building Industries Congress in London, what proposals are being considered for ending black-market building practices and augmenting the building labour force engaged on permanent housing construction in the London and Greater London areas.
§ Mr. BevanSteps have already been taken by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works to deal with black market activities within the London region. In addition, I am discussing with local authorities the delegation to them of power to institute proceedings under Defence Regulation 56A. Conferences with local authorities have recently been held in London with the object of securing drastic cuts in the volume of licensing and the consequent transfer of as many building workers as possible to work on permanent housing.
§ Mr. MarplesIs it not a fact that black market practices are increasing owing to the action of the Minister of Works in not allowing builders to pay their men a bonus under Defence Regulation 56A?