§ 84. Mr. BYRNEasked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware of the unemployment in the building trade in Dublin and that, owing to restrictions, master builders experience difficulty in obtaining building materials; and if he will remove all restrictions on supplies so far as Dublin is concerned?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYA licence is required for building operations where the work to be done is of a value of more than £500 or involves the use of constructional steel, and licences are only issued where the work is regarded as of national importance. Having regard to the necessity of conserving supplies of material for essential work, my right hon. Friend cannot agree to the request contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question, although he recognises the special conditions applying to the case of Dublin.
§ Mr. BYRNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that we received assurances from that bench that no opposition would be afforded to the Dublin builders who were about to engage in the rebuilding of the destroyed areas in Dublin; why are these assurances not carried out?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThese assurances have been strictly adhered to in regard to any work necessary for the reconstruction of Dublin.
§ Mr. DEVLINAre Under-Secretaries in the same position as Ministers if they do not keep their promises? [Hon. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]
§ Mr. KEATINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if the National Service Act is applied to Ireland the quarries which are now being developed will not be able to obtain labour for their purposes?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI think that question does not arise on the answer.