HC Deb 17 May 1965 vol 712 c988
44. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many men were employed at the end of April on the Polaris submarine base at Gareloch; and how many of them were construction workers, plumbers, joiners, engineers or plasterers.

Mr. Boyden

The figures are 1,148 and 862.

Mr. Hughes

As these 1,148 men are building workers badly needed for housing, for schools and for construction work, will my hon. Friend assure the House that this scheme is not given priority over these necessary things?

Mr. Boyden

Matters of policy of that description are not for me. Unfortunately, in the building industry, materials and men are not always in the right place. The duty of my Department is to try to see that they get into the right place.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister assure us that there are no shortages of plaster board on this scheme?

Mr. Boyden

No, Sir. There is a shortage of plaster boards, as I would have explained in answering Question No. 6.