§ Sir R. Taskerasked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed in the building industry in January, 1939, and January, 1940?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe numbers of insured persons, aged 14–64, in the building industry in Great Britain recorded as unemployed at 16th January, 1939, and 15th January, 1940, were 241,775 and 257,851 respectively, including 31,398 and 70,619, respectively, who were temporarily suspended from work. Out-door work in the building industry was affected by adverse weather conditions at both dates, but these were particularly severe in January, 1940.
§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the inability of many building firms to employ more than 10 per cent. of their normal employésowing to the prevalent practice of carrying out local contract building work by the intervention of outside contractors; and whether, to relieve the burden on the Unemployment Insurance Fund, he will consult with the Departments concerned with a view to an alteration in the existing practice?
§ Mr. BrownUnemployment in the building industry since the outbreak of 58W the war has been substantially below that recorded in the corresponding period a year ago. I am, however, aware that many of the smaller building firms have suffered from the diminution of civil building. The Departments responsible for the letting of Government contracts are in constant consultation with my Department through the Works and Building Priority Sub-Committee and are aware of the desirability of utilising the smaller firms so far as this is practicable.