HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc804-5
2. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that Mrs. Chamberlain of Winchcombe, Purley, Berkshire, seeking to erect a wooden hut for a goat, for which she obtained the consent of the town and country planning authority, applied as advised to the Board of Trade whence the application has been referred in turn to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Civil Building Control of the Ministry of Works and the Timber Control of the Board of Trade; and whether he will give an instruction that permits in connection with essential food production are to be issued without delay.

Mr. Key

I understand that the goat-house is part of a larger scheme which includes, for instance, the erection of a second garage, and my officers are awaiting the recommendation of the War Agricultural Executive Committee on the application for a building licence. Whenever a building licence is granted, any necessary timber certificate is issued at the same time. In the present case, independent steps appear to have been taken to obtain the timber, and this led to some confusion. Under existing instructions, if a scheme for essential food production is recommended by the agricultural authorities, there should be no delay in the issue of a permit.

Mr. Hurd

Is the Minister aware that while this tomfoolery has been going on, this goat has produced two kids, and will he now see whether he can catch up with her very good deeds?

Mr. Key

If the application had asked for a home for Snitch and Snatch, the two kids concerned, independently of any other application, I could have considered it, but when the application includes a home for Belinda the one-eyed duck, as well as the provision of a garage, which I think was the reason why the application was made, I think it is another matter.

Sir Stanley Holmes

Has notice been given to the goat that she must not do this again without a licence from the Minister of Works?

Mr. Key

I think that should be given by the owner of the goat, who might take the necessary steps to see that such a thing does not happen.