On This Day, 15 November 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Friday 15 November 1918

AFTER-WAR DIFFICULTIES OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

CONTROL COMMITTEE FOR THE MIDLANDS AREA

The Committee appointed by the Minister of Reconstruction to consider the position of the building industry after the war report that they are satisfied that, for at least two years after the war there is likely to be insufficient materials adequately to meet the demand. The main objectives of the Committee have been the early increase in the production of materials, and they express themselves satisfied that a considerable increase is possible at an early date. As tending to secure this they make a number of recommendations, including priority of release upon demobilisation, of men in the building trades; immediate provision for the making of bricks and facilities for restoring works; the release from Government occupation of brickyards, &c.; the securing of fuel and materials; the scrapping of inefficient plant; the use of local materials wherever possible; the institution of scientific and industrial research, and application of the results with possible State assistance in extensions and equipment of works. It is also recommended that there should be standardisation of fittings in all trades, especially for cottages; and that immediate steps should be taken by the Government for the importation of, at least, 100,000 standards a month of soft wood for all purposes during the first year after the war.

Assured that the supply of materials and labour will be insufficient to meet the total building demands, the Committee have considered the principles and methods by which the priority of various claims should be settled, and the necessary steps to be taken to ensure sufficient quantities of materials for use on the cessation of hostilities, and to secure a prompt commencement of building work at that time. They recommend that a Central Building Industry Committee should be appointed forthwith to determine matters connected with production and allocation of materials, and appoint committees to control defined regional areas, that of the Midlands comprising Warwickshire, Derby, Nottingham, Stafford, Worcester, Leicester, Northampton, Rutland, Huntingdon, Lincolnshire (except Great Grimsby), and the southern portion of Shropshire.