§ 20. Sir THOMAS ESMONDEasked the Minister of Munitions what is the policy of the Government regarding building licences in Great Britain?
§ The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Dr. Addison)The Order in Council of 14th July, 1916, requires the issue of a licence for all building work of the value of £500 or over, and for any work involving the use of constructional steel. In administering the Order the Ministry of Munitions aims as conserving constructional labour and material by refusing licences unless they are satisfied that the work is of national importance. I am sorry to have to add that I am obliged to consider for the future a further limitation of licences, and it will be of great assistance if applications even for small amounts are limited to those required either for urgent repairs or for work of national importance.