asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any further statement concerning the dispute in the building trade; and whether any building contracts have already been cancelled and inquiries for work withdrawn on this account?

With regard to the first part of the question, I understand that the meeting of the employers' and workers' organisations which was held on Monday has been adjourned until to-day. I have no information as to the effect of the dispute on building contracts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a statement to the House immediately some decision is reached, having regard to the serious consequences that may happen to the housing schemes if a strike takes place?

As far as the dispute in the building trade is concerned, yes, but the hon. Member well knows that his question is a double-barrelled one, and that one part of it should be addressed to another Department?

I will do that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman set up a Court of Inquiry before the dispute matures, or will he wait until the dispute has ripened and arrived?

I must exercise my judgment as to when a Court of Inquiry is to be set up.