§ 18. Mr. W. Shepherdasked the Minister of Works what reductions in establishment are contemplated by his Department, as a consequence of the reduction of capital expenditure on building and civil engineering projects.
§ Mr. KeyThe reduction of capital expenditure on building and civil engineering falls mainly outside the field of Government building work for which my Department is directly responsible. The work involved in connection with the cuts will increase the load on the staff engaged upon the control of building operations. I expect, therefore, little change in the establishment of my Department.
§ Mr. ShepherdWhat is the good of the Government appealing to the nation to ensure the lowering of prices and costs, when organisations such as the Ministry of Works continue to employ so many people, and we are building fewer houses at a greater cost than ever before?