§ Sir R. Glynasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his attention has been called to the serious condition obtaining in some rural areas, owing to the shortage of skilled craftsmen, such as blacksmiths, painters, plumbers, bricklayers, slaters and thatchers, in consequence of which normal damage by gales and exposure is causing serious risks to crops stored in barns and to the health of workers in cottages; and whether he will consult with the regional commissioners, with a view to seeing that there should be a minimum quota of skilled men in every group of villages, and that the necessary material is available for urgent repair work?
§ Mr. HicksI am not aware of any serious difficulty of the kind referred to in66W the Question, but if the Hon. Member has in mind any special cases perhaps he will be good enough to send me particulars, and I will investigate. Meanwhile, I can assure my hon. Friend that the necessity of maintaining a minimum quota of skilled building labour to carry on the maintenance work in country districts is very much in mind.