§ 89. Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Health the number of building trade operatives in Hull; the approximate number of permanent houses which this force should be able to build in 12 months, under present conditions; and why building trade operatives are being sent by private builders outside Hull to build houses, on the ground that they cannot be employed on building houses in the city.
§ Mr. BevanThe number of operatives, in the building industry in Hull is 7,014. Some of these operatives are suitably employed on work other than new house 131W building, and I cannot, therefore, give the estimate asked for in the second part of the Question. As regards the last part of the Question I would expect operatives registered in Hull to be employed in building work in Hull and in the surrounding rural areas.
§ 90. Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Health whether he intends to grant licences to the Hull Building Trades Employers' Association in view of their claim that they have the labour and sites now available and could build 2,756 traditional permanent houses in 12 months, at the cost of £1,300 each.
§ Mr. BevanThe decision on applications for licences is a matter for the local authority under the terms of Circular 108/48 of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.