HC Deb 20 October 1943 vol 392 cc1384-5
59. Mr. McNeil

asked the Minister of Supply, by whose authority Oregon pine from the Garvel shipyard was utilised for repairing a greenhouse at a private residence, of which he has been informed, between the dates of 27th April and 20th May; whether a licence was obtained for the timber for this purpose; by whom it was issued and at what does?

Sir A. Duncan

No licence has been issued authorizing use of the timber in question for the purpose named.

Mr. McNeil

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me, though I know how very small an amount of timber is involved, whether this constitutes an offence or irregularity against which the Department will proceed?

Sir A. Duncan

I understand that the amount involved was less than a pound's worth. If an application had been made for a repair job, such as this was, there is no doubt that a licence would have been granted. We have, however, reprimanded the firm for not applying for one.

Mr. McNeil

Although this is a small amount, does the right hon. Gentleman agree that a technical offence was committed?