§ 34. Mr. Cocksasked the Minister without Portfolio whether the Government will issue an order immediately stopping all work on private building and transferring building labour and material to the work of converting, under military direction, every town, bridge, railway station, mountain pass, beach, inlet, landing place and strategic centre into strong fortified positions?
§ The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)Emergency defence works have absolute priority over all other building operations, and arrangements are in force to supply the labour and materials required for these works by transferring them as necessary from private building or other works. It has now been decided to institute as soon as possible a system under which private building may proceed only under licence.
§ Mr. CocksIs it the case that for places in this country more than 80 miles from the sea it will not be necessary for this to be done?
§ Mr. GreenwoodThat is a matter of war policy with which I am not concerned.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishWould the right hon. Gentleman get in touch with the Kitchen Committee of this House and 1151 arrange for the sale to Members of sedatives, such as bromide of potassium, in order that certain Members suffering from exuberant apprehensions may allay them?
§ Mr. LeachWould the right hon. Gentleman see that the decision is applicable to road improvements as well as buildings?
§ Mr. GreenwoodCertainly, Sir.