§ 36. Mr. Deedesasked the Minister of Works how far the East Ashford Rural District Council was consulted by his Department before the granting of licences to the value of £2,688 for the repair of Denwood Farm, Crundale, Kent, particulars of which have already been sent to him.
§ Mr. StokesFor the reasons explained to the hon. Member in a letter of 26th August, the East Ashford Rural District Council was not consulted about this case.
§ Mr. DeedesCan the Minister say why the decision was taken by his Department over the heads of the local authority and why, when, on grounds of agriculture the licence had been refused, they turned to the excuse of ancient building? What excuse was there for doing that?
§ Mr. StokesThe facts were explained in the letter to the hon. Member, to which I have referred. A licence was not issued for a farmhouse at all, but because the house was considered suitable for preservation as an historic building and it is desirable that it should be repaired and occupied.