§ 56. Brigadier-General Clifton Brownasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that applications for timber for maintenance on rural estates are frequently not answered for three months or more and then forms are only sent to fill up for another Ministry to sanction; and will he expedite business at timber control area 160 at 1–6, Tavistock Square, to ensure that maintenance repairs to rural cottages, farm buildings and field gates can be more promptly dealt with.
§ Sir A. DuncanNo, Sir. Special arrangements have been made to enable farmers and owners of agricultural estates to secure licences for maintenance timber promptly and conveniently. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any cases he has in mind I will have them investigated.
§ Brigadier-General Clifton BrownI certainly can give particulars. Is my right hon. Friend aware that a good deal of suffering is caused to old and sick people living in cottages by this regulation; and cannot he arrange for somebody to deal with this matter instead of "passing the buck" from one to another?
§ Sir A. DuncanWe do not "pass the buck."
§ Brigadier-General Clifton BrownIt takes over three months to get an answer.