HC Deb 02 April 1946 vol 421 cc171-2W
135. Mr. Emrys Roberts

asked the Minister of Labour how many building operatives during and since the war left Wales to engage in the restoration of war damaged property in England, voluntarily, and by direction, respectively.

142. Mr. D. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour how many building trade workers left Wales to repair damaged property in London and other cities; how many have returned; and what steps he is taking to retransfer those who are still employed outside Wales.

Mr. Isaacs:

During the period of active recruitment for war damage repairs in London, some 3,000 building operatives were transferred from Wales. Of this number, about 2,000 were volunteers and 1,000 were directed. Since January, 1946, these workers have been free to return to Wales, but it is not possible to say how many have returned.

136. Mr. Emrys Roberts

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken, and are further contemplated, by his Department to ensure that the number of building operatives in Wales will be sufficient to meet the present housing, school and factory building requirements of Wales.

137. Mr. Bowen

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of building operatives employed in Wales in June, 1939, and October, 1945; and the present total.

143. Mr. D. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour how many men were employed in the building trade in Wales in 1939; how many are employed today; and what steps he is taking to increase the building force of the Principality, in view of the urgent need for building factories, houses and schools.

Mr. Isaacs:

It is estimated that the numbers of insured persons aged 16 years and over in employment in the building industry in Wales and Monmouth at July, 1939, and July, 1945, were 33,738 and 11,740, respectively. I regret that corresponding figures are not available for any date later than July, 1945. Besides measures which are being taken generally to increase the building labour force throughout Great Britain, including the release of building operatives from the Forces under Class B, steps are being taken to provide additional training facilities in Wales. Already three additional centres have been opened for building training and arrangements for three other centres are in hand.

138. Mr. Bowen

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the building operatives released from the Forces during the last 12 months have taken up employment in Wales; and how many building operatives have left Wales during this period.

Mr. Isaacs:

I regret that the information asked for is not available.