§ 2. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Works the value of the building licence which has been granted to the "Daily Worker" for their new premises.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)Since July, 1946, building licences authorising an expenditure of £4,110 have been granted to Robell Properties Ltd. in respect of premises at 16–18, King Street and 27–29, Bedford Street. The work consists mainly of essential repairs and fire protection required by the London County Council. Licences authorising a total expenditure of £40,408 have been granted since December, 1945, to Keable Press Ltd. in respect of 75, Farringdon Road, for use as a printing works to replace premises destroyed by enemy action.
§ Mr. ShepherdCan the Minister say what British interest is served by allowing this expensive building at the present time, and why the previous arrangement for the printing of the "Daily Worker" which operated before the war, cannot be continued?
§ Mr. KeyOn the last part of the supplementary question, I have no information, but, in reply to the first part, it is an essential British thing to maintain the liberty of the Press.