§ 22. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Works whether licences to re-erect close boarded fences fronting main roads where such fences were destroyed by enemy action may be granted by local authorities and included as war damage repairs, where it can be shown that there is danger of young children straying on to busy thoroughfares.
§ Mr. KeyOwing to the need for conserving timber supplies for more urgent purposes, I cannot undertake to issue licences for close boarded fencing. Licensing officers will, however, deal sympathetically with applications for alternative types of fencing which are effective for this purpose. The reasonable cost of replacing such fences could be claimed from the War Damage Commission.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs the Minister aware that none of the types of fencing which are permissible under his Department's circular 117/47 could, in any case, prevent the straying of these children; further is he aware that close boarded fences are being erected on non-thoroughfare sites by local authorities building new estates?
§ Mr. KeyNo, Sir. I cannot accept that the fencing that is being approved is not capable of doing the job required. Chestnut pale fencing, for instance, should be quite sufficient to prevent children from straying.