HC Deb 08 April 1948 vol 449 cc353-4
50. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the numbers employed, giving labourers, bricklayers, plumbers and other craftsmen separately, in the building and civil engineering industries, respectively, in June, 1937, October, 1946 and the latest available date; and if he will state the numbers for the regions separately and the number of unemployed in each class on the same dates.

Mr. Isaacs

This information is not readily available and its extraction would involve an undue expenditure of time. If the hon. Member wishes, I am prepared to discuss the matter to see how far I can be of assistance.

51. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour the number, out of the 164,000 mentioned in the Economic Survey, of labourers, bricklayers, plumbers and other craftsmen, respectively, in each region, in the building and in the civil engineering industries, planned to be released; and what steps he is taking to ensure the retention in each region of a balanced building labour force following this withdrawal.

Mr. Isaacs

The estimated decline in the labour force for the building and civil engineering industries during 1948 mentioned in the Economic Survey is a forecast of one result of the Government's decision to reduce capital investment programmes. It would, therefore, be impracticable to analyse it in detail in the manner suggested. Since any reduction in the size of the labour force or any change in its composition during 1948 will be brought about by a reduction in the amount of work available, the second part of the Question does not arise.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the Minister of Labour consult with the Minister of Health in spite of his political bias about housing, and try to come to some satisfactory arrangement whereby the building material and the labour force can be so brought together that the maximum number of houses will be built for our people?

Mr. Isaacs

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I have no political bias against housing—

Sir W. Smithers

But his right hon. Friend has.

Mr. Isaacs

—and that we are taking all steps to see that the proper balance between the building trade workers is maintained as far as possible.

Sir W. Smithers

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman not to be frightened of the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Health, who sits on his right, and to do his best to stand up to him.

Mr. Isaacs

I am doing my best to show that I am not afraid of hon. Gentlemen in front of me.

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