HC Deb 10 March 1970 vol 797 cc1106-7
28. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will state the number unemployed at the latest available date in the building and housebuilding industries, respectively, as compared with 12 months earlier; and what steps he proposes to revive employment.

Mr. John Silken

Separate information for the building and housebuilding industry is not available. I have, as I indicated on 10th February, had discussions with all sides of the industry and am considering the situation with my colleagues.

Mr. Allaun

Is not it wrong that such a vast number of building workers should be unemployed when there are so many people in housing need? In his talks with his colleagues, to which the Minister has referred, will he press for a relaxation of the credit squeeze, particularly as regards houses?

Mr. Silkin

I agree with my hon. Friend that in human terms it is a bad thing anyway, and in terms of resources, obviously, one needs the houses up and the men working. I am not quite so gloomy as he is. I pointed out on 26th February that a number of factors, including S.A.Y.E. and the building societies, would have their effect, and I notice that this is beginning to be appreciated.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Although the Minister says that he has not separate figures, are not there grounds for suspicion that about 50,000 workers have disappeared from the house-building side of the industry? Will he say how much of that is due to people going self-employed as the result of S.E.T.?

Mr. Silkin

I think that we are mixing up two questions here. The answer to the first point is, no, we cannot separate them. The answer to the second point is that the workers would not be unemployed.

Mr. Rose

Will my right hon. Friend say what steps his Department is taking to bring pressure to bear on Conservative local authorities which have slashed their housing programmes?

Mr. Silkin

This is not a matter for me, but for my right hon. Friend.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the statement yesterday of his colleague the Secretary of State for Social Services, that all local authorities are short of money, and will he persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to abolish S.E.T. and so put local authorities in funds and enable them to build proportionately more houses and more public works?

Mr. Silkin

I have a great regard for my right hon. Friend, but I am afraid that if I bore him the message which the hon. Gentleman suggests his regard for me would go down considerably.

Mrs. Renée Short

Will my right hon. Friend say what progress has been made in his discussions with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government about the setting up of a house-building organisation as recommended by the Estimates Committee?

Mr. Silkin

I do not think this arises out of the Question. I am more concerned with getting houses built and the people back to work.