HC Deb 04 April 1949 vol 463 cc1677-8
27. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Works how many of the 27,500 building workers employed on work for the Service Departments on 1st March were employed on building houses for members of the Services; and how many were employed on such work in Scotland.

Mr. Key

Of the 27,500 building and civil engineering workers employed on work for the Service Departments at the end of January, 4,100 were employed in building houses for members of the Services. Three hundred and sixty-two of these were employed in Scotland.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will not take any more building labour from the local authorities for this work?

Mr. Key

We do not take labour from the local authorities for this work.

Colonel Dower

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this accommodation for the Services is most urgently required, and that it will help recruiting?

Mr. Key

Yes, there is great need for it, and for that reason we shall carry on.