HC Deb 14 December 1948 vol 459 cc993-4
5. Mr. Timmons

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has been taking to reduce house building costs in Scotland.

Mr. Woodburn

This Question was fully dealt with in the recent report of the Scottish Building Costs Committee, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Perth (Colonel Gomme-Duncan) and the hon. Member for North Edinburgh (Mr. Willis) on 7th December about the action taken on the Committee's recommendations.

Major Guy Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that report made one of its principal points that the productivity of labour has fallen by nearly 35 per cent.? What does the Secretary of State intend to do about that—anything at all?

Mr. Woodburn

Yes, Sir. I think 1 answered that question on the same occasion. The productivity of labour depends on a great many circumstances and those which are under the responsibility of the Government, such as the flow of materials, we have greatly improved.

Mrs. Jean Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the same report shows that the greatest increase is in relation to profits, manufacturers' profits being 125 per cent. up, and does he intend to do something to stop this profiteering?