HC Deb 05 June 1947 vol 438 cc383-4
59. Mr. S. Marshall

asked the Minister of Works whether he will instruct local authorities to grant licences for repairs to industrial premises to be carried out where evidence is provided that the necessary materials and labour are available.

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

A licence would normally be granted if the necessary materials and labour are available, and the requirements of other priority work are not prejudiced. The existing instructions to local authorities are in this sense.

Mr. Marshall

Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that permission should be given in cases where both labour and materials are known to be available, and that permission should not be refused merely for the sake of control?

Mr. Durbin

Where labour and materials are available, and where no work of greater priority is prejudiced, the instructions given to the local authorities are that licences in those circumstances should be granted.