Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of building firms in Scotland employing more than 10 persons which were in existence on 1st August, 1939, compared with the number in existence on 1st January, 1946; and how many of them have been asked to quote on housing schemes.
§ Mr. WestwoodI regret I have no information as to the number of building firms employing more than 10 persons in existence on 1st August, 1939. The number on 1st August, 1945, the latest date for which information is available, was 826. Of these firms I understand 304 have so far been asked by the Ministry of Works to quote for 140 contracts for temporary house erection. As regards permanent houses local authorities normally invite tenders by public advertisement.