HC Deb 24 November 1947 vol 444 cc1581-2
33. Mr. Lever

asked the Minister of Works why he granted licences for a total of £12,584 to Daniel Neal's, Robinson and Cleavers, and the Barbeque Restaurant at Bournemouth having regard to the abundance of existing shop and restaurant accommodation there.

Mr. Key

The work was sponsored in the first two cases by the Board of Trade, and in the latter case by the Ministry of Food. Most of the expenditure on these three premises was in respect of specialist work not involving general building labour.

Mr. Lever

The Minister has divided the work into two classes, one' being specialist work not involving ordinary labour. Is that not another way of saying "luxury work"? Is not the Minister, by granting these licences, keeping the luxury labour force unduly inflated? What answer has the Minister to make about the completely unjustifiable use of essential materials, such as plumbing material and metal, for shops in places like Bournemouth, and the supply of that material?

Mr. Key

The answer says that the work is of a character not involving general building labour. Therefore, the work was such as did not involve the use of ordinary materials of the character that has been indicated. As to whether the licences should have been granted for particular establishments, I think it is only wise in such matters that I should take the advice of the appropriate Departments—the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Food—and their opinion is given great consideration when we come to the issuing of licences.

Mr. Frank Byers

Is the Minister aware that in the neighbouring constituency of North Dorset these decisions have caused consternation, because there we are told we cannot have the materials to get on with houses required for the accommodation of workers on the land?

Mr. Key

I would like instances of where that is the case. I would also point out that in the general allocating of labour for building purposes we are working on the basis of 60 per cent. of the available labour being used for housing purposes. Allocations for purposes other than housing have to be met out of the remaining 40 per cent.