§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland how many joiners, bricklayers, and general labourers were engaged on work concerned with Government housing schemes in Scotland on the 15th June; how many joiners, bricklayers, and general labourers are required to do the work now passed and approved by the Scottish Office; what prospect is there of adequate numbers of tradesmen and labourers being available in the near future; and by what period is it estimated that the completion of housing schemes in Scotland will be delayed as a result of this shortage of labour compared with normal expectations?
Mr. MURRAYAs at 15th June there were 623 bricklayers, 108 joiners and 2,393 other skilled tradesmen and unskilled workers employed on Scottish housing schemes. I am advised that 3,942 bricklayers, 3,913 joiners, and 16,933 other skilled tradesmen and unskilled workers are required if the 9,000 houses for which the Scottish Board of Health have approved tenders are to be completed this year. With regard to the last two parts of the question, it is not possible to form any trustworthy forecast, but the matter of increasing the number of workmen available for housing schemes is engaging the attention of the Government.