HC Deb 31 March 1953 vol 513 c1007
3. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Works in what proportions the building labour force and building materials are distributed in the construction of housing accommodation, factories, schools and hospitals; and what the comparative proportions were in October, 1951.

The Minister of Works (Mr. David Eccles)

On the distribution of building labour, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Leeds, South (Mr. Gaitskell) on 3rd March, 1953. Building labour for hospitals would account for less than I per cent. of the total. No figures of the distribution of building materials are available, but the proportions may be assumed to follow broadly the figures for labour.

Mr. Sparks

Is it possible to increase the amount of building materials and labour particularly for schools and hospital development, as there has been in the past 12 months a very substantial reduction in the amount of building?

Mr. Eccles

It follows the investment programme, and to the best of my information this is slightly bigger this year than last year.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how, in the transfer of labour to housing, there has been such a large decrease in the amount of labour devoted to the repair and maintenance of existing buildings, which is almost sensational according to his returns?

Mr. Eccles

The explanation is quite simple. It is that the war damage has gradually come to an end, as the right hon. Gentleman can see from the figures issued by the War Damage Commission.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

On a point of order. May I respectfully ask you, Mr. Speaker, to call for candles?

Mr. Speaker

I will see that there is more illumination.