§ Sir G. Jonesasked the Minister of Works whether he will give a comparable approximate estimate of the cost of bricklaying in respect of a straight internal wall in 1938 and the present time.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerNo, Sir, I regret that I cannot give an approximate estimate of the cost owing to the difficulty of finding an accurate yard stick for comparison. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. and learned Gentleman on 16th May, we shall be glad to discuss the question of the yard stick with him so that a reasonably accurate comparison may be arrived at.
§ Sir J. Jonesasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that in 1938 the cost of bricklaying, including an assistant, in respect of the erection of a rod of brickwork on cottage property was £7 10s. to £8 per rod or thereabouts; and whether he can state approximately what he estimates such cost would be to-day.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerMy hon. and learned Friend knows the importance of not drawing a general conclusion from an isolated instance, and while I do not dispute the figures he states, I cannot accept them as providing a basis for making general comparisons. I am not clear as to what the hon. Gentleman means by cottage property, but if he will have a talk with me I will see if I can give him the information he desires.