§ Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for a monthly Return of the men, skilled and unskilled, in the various sections of the building trade, distinguishing those engaged on the respective housing schemes?
§ Mr. SHAWI have been asked to reply. For the building trade generally this information would have to be obtained each month by means of returns made by the individual employers, The work would be heavy, and there is no power to compel employers to make these returns. Accordingly, I do not think it is practicable to obtain them. The total number of persons, employed in the building trade is ascertained each year by the Ministry of Labour from the unemployment books exchanged, and the figures are published in the "Labour Gazette." So far as men on housing schemes are concerned, I have communicated with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and understand that he will consider the possibility of obtaining special returns.