HC Deb 13 November 1950 vol 480 cc1349-50
1. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Works what is the purpose of continuing the registration of decorating firms.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Stokes)

The registration of decorating firms, together with all other firms in the building and civil engineering industries, continues for the purpose of collecting statistics of employment and output in these industries.

Mr. Erroll

Is this creation of a virtual closed shop in the decorating industry really justified for the sake of a few statistics?

Mr. Stokes

Decorating forms a considerable part of the amount spent on maintenance, and it is considered absolutely necessary to keep a proper record.

Mr. Erroll

Will the registration be removed as soon as possible?

Mr. Stokes

Not in the foreseeable future.