HC Deb 02 November 1944 vol 404 c940
69. Mr. Butcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, how many men employed by his Department have been withdrawn from the maintenance of Government buildings to assist in the restoration of houses damaged by enemy action.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)

Maintenance staffs employed at Government buildings in the London area have already been substantially reduced. Many bomb damaged Government buildings still require first-aid repair and it is not possible to reduce the maintenance staff further. All maintenance and repair of Government offices has been reduced to the minimum of essentiality.

Mr. Butcher

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of seeing that nobody is employed on non-essential work, whether it is Government or private work?

Mr. Hicks

Yes, Sir.