HC Deb 26 February 1973 vol 851 cc268-9W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is aware that many building firms are still employing lump labour as well as men registered unemployed; if he will study the information supplied to him by the hon. Member for Heywood and Royton regarding firms in his constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dudley Smith

I am aware that many firms in the building industry employ labour-only sub-contractors, but this has been a feature of the industry for many years and I cannot accept the implication that all forms of labour-only sub-contracting are equally undesirable. I have no evidence that many building firms are knowingly employing registered unemployed men.

I am looking into the information given in the hon. Member's letter of 14th February.