§ 13. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government by how much he estimates the cost of a council house will rise as a result of the recent increase in building workers' wages.
§ Mr. H. BrookeWages are only one of the items making up the cost of a council house. The recent award will add £8 or £9 to this particular item, but it is not possible to say what effect, if any, this increase will have on the actual cost.
§ Mr. LewisWhilst appreciating that building workers are well entitled to an increase to offset to some extent the continued rise in the cost of living, may I ask the Minister whether he is not aware of the fact that all these increases directly result from the ineptitude and the maladministration of this Government, and particularly of his predecessors?
§ Mr. BrookeNo, I am certainly not aware of that.