asked the Minister of Labour the numbers in the various branches of the building trade who were unemployed in October and the total amount of unemployment benefit paid to them?

The number of unemployed building operatives on 23rd October, 1922, as shown by unemployment books lodged at Employment Exchanges, was 118,739. I am circulating particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It is estimated that for the four pay-weeks falling within the month of October these persons received about £260,000 in benefit.

Would my right hon. Friend, in his capacity as Minister of Health, consult himself as to whether it would not be more profitable to spend that money on building houses rather than on paying men for doing nothing?

As my hon. Friend knows, the matter is a very difficult one, but it is under consideration.