§ 21. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Labour if he will consult with the Secretary of State for Air, with a view to tapping for the Government's housing drive, the labour force engaged in the maintenance of both permanent and redundant airfields; and what number of men 7 at present so employed he estimates that he will be able to turn to housing purposes.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Tomlinson)I have been asked to reply. The labour force engaged on the maintenance of airfields is kept continually under review by my right hon. friend the Secretary of State for Air and myself. Approximately 10,000 men have already been released from this work since August, 1945, and if any further reductions become possible they will be made without delay, having regard to the necessity for the efficient maintenance of the permanent airfields.