HC Deb 01 May 1950 vol 474 cc1386-7
17. Mr. Baird

asked the Minister of Works if, in view of the urgency of the housing position, he will further reduce the ceiling for industrial building without a licence

Mr. Stokes

No, Sir; I do not think it necessary.

Mr. Baird

Could my right hon. Friend tell me if he considers that all the work done in this way is essential, and how many building trade workers are employed?

Mr. Stokes

There is really no evidence to show that the housing programme is being affected by people being drawn off for this kind of work.

Sir Peter Macdonald

Do I understand that the policy of the Minister, not to build if he can help it, does not apply to Government buildings?

Mr. Stokes

I hope it will be very clear to every Member of this House that I referred to Government buildings and not to housing, and that we are as economical as we can be in providing offices for the purpose referred to in the other Question which was asked.

Mr. Baird

Does not my right hon. Friend think he should find out how many building trade workers are swallowed up in this type of building?

Mr. Stokes

There is no indication of that. There is another Question on the Order Paper about this matter, and if my hon. Friend waits until it is reached, I think he will be satisfied.

Mr. Henry Strauss

What does the hon. Gentleman the Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mr. Baird) mean by " reduce the ceiling "?