§ Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the shortage of labour and particularly of building labour, in the rural districts of Scotland; and what steps he is taking to remedy this position.
§ Mr. BuchananYes, Sir. I am concerned about the labour scarcity in rural areas and the possible effect it may have on housing progress. Although the position is improving slowly with the return of men from the Forces and war industries, I propose to keep it under close review and to encourage the use of alternative methods of construction which will reduce the demands for ordinary building labour.