§ 42. Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Labour how many building employers are currently paying the levy to the Construction Industry Training Board; how many make no contribution at all, and for what reason; and how many of the latter are deemed to be labour-only subcontractors.
§ Mr. GunterI understand that separate figures for building employers as distinct from other employers covered by the Construction Industry Training Board are not available.
§ Mr. UrwinDespite that Answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the number of self-employed people operating as labour subcontractors appears to be growing with alarming rapidity? Is there any possibility of steps being taken to ensure that these people are employed only by bona fide building contractors?
§ Mr. GunterAs my hon. Friend knows, I have had some discussions with his own union on this matter, and they will continue.