§ 28. Mr. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for War how many persons in the Army are at present employed on building and repair work in Great Britain and overseas.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Strachey)Approximately 240 in Great Britain. Figures for overseas Commands are not readily available.
§ Mr. YatesWill my right hon. Friend say what proportion of civilians are employed for this purpose, in view of the recent statement which appeared in the official organ of the National Federation of Building Trade Operatives that it would not be possible to build more houses because of the re-armament programme? Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that there are sufficient labour and material in the Forces, and that every possible economy is being effected in the use of them?
§ Mr. StracheyOf course, many more civilians are employed on Army building, but many of those are employed in house building—in building married quarters, for example.