asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed in the building trades for last week and the amount paid out in benefit?

The number of persons registered as unemployed in the building trades in Great Britain on 22nd May, the latest date for which figures are available, was 116,012, of whom 41,550 were craftsmen and 74,462 labourers, and the amount paid in benefit in the week preceding Monday, 22nd May, was about £65,000.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the desirability of making representations to the Minister of Health that, instead of paying this money for doing nothing, these men should be employed on building houses, which are wanted?

The whole matter involved in the hon. Member's supplementary question is under consideration.