Men for Building
The industry which will most urgently need labour on a large scale after the war is undoubtedly the building industry. In addition to the need for making up arrears covering the whole period of the war there will be the imperative call for men to repair damaged buildings or construct others to take their place and to carry out town-planning schemes throughout the country. A report of the Central Council for Works and Buildings estimates the post-wat deficiency of skilled men in the building industry at not fewer than 275,000. The Government have been giving full attention to this matter, and have issued a White Paper announcing a policy for the training of craftsmen. It is based on the assumption that a post-war reconstruction programme for to or 12 years will require the building up of a labour force to about r,25o,00o men— a number which will make it the largest industry in the cotuirry, with the possible exception of agriculture. Provision for the orderly expansion of an industrial army on this scale clearly calls for Government consideration, especially in regard to recruitment, training and conditions of work. There will be need for rapid expansion at the outset-200,000 men will have to be trained in the first three or four years. Men already skilled will have to be released early from the Services. Plans are being made for the training of adults in this country, and for providing facilities also for men still serving in the forces overseas ; and attention is also being given to the permanent question of the recruitment, education and apprenticeship of boys entering the industry. Experience in the past points to the danger of alternating periods of an excess of labour and a shortage. The White Paper states that the aim of the Government is to maintain stability in the industry over a long period, and to eliminate casual employment.
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