§ 25. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Health what increase, at present rate of output, in the total cost of a local authority house, based on the average of tenders approved in recent months, it is estimated would result from an increase of 6d. an hour in the wages of craftsmen and a proportionate increase in the wages of labourers; and what would be the rent equivalent of such increase.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWithout wishing in any way to anticipate or prejudge any discussion that may be going on between the two sides of the building industry in regard to this matter—
§ Mr. StokesOh.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithOne of these days the hon. Member will realise—
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI was going to say, Mr. Speaker, that the hon. Member will realise that the value of his observations is in inverse proportion to the loudness of voice in which they are made. Would the Minister say whether any change of circumstances has happened since last December, when the 4d. rise was agreed to, and was thought to stabilise the position, at any rate for the time being?
§ Mr. BevanIf the hon. Member thinks that I intend to make any comment on this application, he is mistaken.