Building Workers, Scotland

HC Deb 06 July 1948 vol 453 cc195-6

37. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to increase the number of building workers in Scotland.

Mr. Isaacs

At present we are not taking steps to increase the number of building workers in Scotland. Our aim is to secure the allocation of the existing labour force to the best advantage.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that we have been told by the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland that we need a far bigger labour force in the building industry, and will he stop calling up building apprentices for the Armed Forces?

Mr. Isaacs

I have dealt with the point raised. What we are trying to do is to make use of the existing force to complete the work in hand. When that is done, we will go into the other question of what further expansion is required?

Mr. Willis

Can the Minister say how many vacancies in the industry have been notified to his Department, and how many there are unemployed?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot do so offhand, but I will try to get the figures.