§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is aware of the present state of the building industry in North Wales and the plight of many small builders and contractors; that in the town of Colwyn Bay, where this has been for years a staple industry, builders are losing their craftsmen and contractors themselves have no orders; and whether, in any review of the building industry for the post-war period, any measures are contemplated to see that small builders and contractors secure their proper share of the post-war building?
§ Mr. HicksI have been asked to reply. The building industry has of course been seriously affected by the transfer to the Forces and munitions of more than half of its normal personnel. Work required for the war must come first, but it is my Ministry's concern to maintain the structure of the industry as far as possible to meet the work of reconstruction after the war. Measures to that end, including the spreading of Government contracts over as many suitable firms as possible, are at present in operation. Whilst drawing up the post-war building programme, my Department will aim at a programme geographically spread so as to use all parts of the building industry.
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