§ 37. Mr. Sorensenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that many complaints are arising at the condition of walls and forecourts from which railings have been removed and the cementing has deteriorated; whether the contractors who cemented the damaged walls will be required again to cement where this is not now effective; and whether he will consider a provisional scheme to assist householders and tenants to restore the amenities and reasonable protection of their gardens and houses, to be operative as soon as conditions allow?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)The complaints received relate to cementing undertaken during abnormally frosty weather; the contractors are being required again to cement where necessary. If, in the second part of his Question, the hon. Member has in mind the provision of substitute gates and railings, I am afraid that this will not be practicable during the war.
§ Mr. SorensenWhile I appreciate the answer, could my hon. Friend not consider preparing for the restoration in some measure, at some future date, of the amenities and protection that householders require—not during the war, but after the war?
§ Sir William DavisonWill my hon. Friend consider occasionally leaving the gates, which have only a few pounds of metal in them? If the area of open space is protected by barbed wire or wooden fencing, it is very useful to have a gate, of which the owner has the key. The amount of metal involved is infinitesimal.