§ 57. Mr. Reakesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he is aware of the large number of men, many of military age, who are allowed to be engaged on painting buildings and other work not contributive to the war effort; and whether he will take steps to eliminate all work of a semi-luxury type until the end of hostilities.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that there are no grounds for the suggestion that many men of military age are engaged on non-essential building work. Moreover, expenditure of more than £100 on any building is strictly controlled by licence.
§ Mr. ReakesIs the Minister aware that my Question is based on observations made by myself last week, when I saw these men, many of them young, painting the railings of a hotel, and that I have had similar experiences in other parts of the country?