§ 13. Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been directed to strikes among bricklayers on local authority building sites, arising from the employment of trainees; and what steps his Department have taken in this matter.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am aware that in one area bricklayers on a local authority building site withdrew their labour on account of the employment of trainees. The action was taken against the advice of their trade union, and I am informed that the majority of the men concerned have now returned to work.
§ Mr. PrescottPresumably, the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the case of Bolton. If that is so, is he aware that 847 in that case the bricklayers alleged that the trainees were insufficiently trained, and that they had to undo much of their work and rebuild it, and, in these circumstances, would he consider investigating the training given to these men?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. This is the first time that I have heard of the information given by the hon. Gentleman. All my experience has gone to prove that the trainees are doing exceptionally good work.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersWill the Minister introduce at once, especially in the building trade, a system of payment by results.
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is another question.