107. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Minister of Works what steps are being taken to divert the employment of the 324,000 building workers at present engaged on non-priority work to new housing and other essential work.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe majority of the workers to whom my hon. Friend refers are engaged on work which has been licensed by the Government and local authorities, including new factories and other projects important to the economic life of the community. The remainder are engaged mainly upon essential maintenance and repair of houses and industrial buildings. This work has already been severely restricted, but arrangements have recently been made for a further reduction in the licences with a view to making more men available for work which is given a higher priority.