HC Deb 24 March 1949 vol 463 cc555-6
49 and 50. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware of the shortage in Leicester of labourers for the building of houses and the development of sites for houses, and that experienced building operatives are being sent out of the city to work in other districts; and whether he will take steps to prevent any continuance of this and to arrange for supplementing the labour force so that there will be available for Leicester an adequate supply of manpower in this regard;

(2) whether he is aware that bricklayers and plasterers in Leicester are being compelled to do their own labouring in consequence of the serious shortage of assistance; and what steps he intends to take to alleviate this situation.

Mr. Ness Edwards

My right hon. Friend is aware of some shortage of craftsmen's labourers and general labourers in Leicester. Steps have already been taken to meet the difficulty by bringing men from nearby areas within daily travelling distance, and by the recruitment of Polish workers. Skilled workers are not being sent out of the city, but it is known that contractors who accept work in surrounding areas take their craftsmen with them.

Mr. Janner

Will my right hon. Friend make further inquiries in Leicester to ascertain why there is such a shortage of this kind of labour there because, according to my information, such men are being sent out of Leicester? Will he inquire into the very serious situation being created owing to this shortage, as there is a possibility of allied trades being held up and certainly very great difficulty with regard to proceeding effectively with the housing programme in consequence of this shortage?

Mr. Ness Edwards

We have made these investigations and we have found there are 10 vacancies for craftsmen's labourers and 145 for general labourers; these are the vacancies notified to the Ministry of Labour. I have already indicated what steps we are taking to overcome the position, but I must make it clear that the Ministry cannot direct men from one job to another, even in Leicester.

Mr. Scollan

Is not it possible for the Government to reconsider the whole situation with regard to the shortage of labour in some districts and the surplus of labour in others? Could not some work be transferred to the Clyde, where there is a large surplus of unemployed?

Mr. Ness Edwards

We cannot transfer the building of houses in Leicester to the Clyde.

Mr. Scollan

We need houses there.