HC Deb 28 April 1947 vol 436 cc1534-5
65. Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the extent of the damage done to farm buildings by the recent gales.

Mr. T. Williams

This information is not available, because it has not been thought necessary to carry out the survey which would be required. Where damage has occurred, facilities have been accorded for the prompt licensing of repairs.

Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on many estates more damage is done by gales than is Caused to stock and crops by droughts and other forms of hard weather?

Mr. Williams

Yes, Sir, but I am also under the impression that wherever application is made for a licence it is granted fairly rapidly where damage has been caused.

Mr. York

Is the Minister aware that unless he gets his colleague the Minister of Supply to give a priority for steel the rails cannot go back again, because there is not enough steel for them in the engineering industry?

Commander Maitland

What arrangements exist for obtaining the licensing of repairs?

Mr. Williams

Any cases of difficulty should be sent at once to the regional office.