§ 2. Mr. Edward Shortasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied that the number of bricklayers available in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is sufficient to enable the housing authority to complete its annual allocation of houses.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI am informed that none of the main housing contractors has any current application for bricklayers with local employment exchanges. At the same time, I am watching closely the position and will do what I can to help.
§ Mr. ShortIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of contractors who are behind with their contracts have given this—the shortage of bricklayers—as one of the main reasons?
§ Mr. MacmillanAll I can say is that they have made no application to the local Exchanges, which seems to be a certain guide. However, I will look into the matter.
§ 3. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to ensure that heating engineers engaged on housing contracts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne have an adequate supply of tubing and galvanised tanks.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanNo representations have been made to me by the council. Inquiries do not disclose any difficulties over galvanised tanks but only over copper tubing. I am looking into this matter.
§ Mr. ShortIs the Minister aware that Newcastle-upon-Tyne has one of the worst housing records in the country, and 1094 that, here again, the shortage of galvanised tanks and tubing is given by the corporation as one of the reasons for delay?