HC Deb 30 January 1951 vol 483 c708
31. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Works if, in order to avoid confusion and delay, he will simplify the procedure for obtaining approval for the establishment of building apprentice master schemes by reducing the number of Departments and interests which have to be consulted.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Stokes)

I am not aware of any confusion or delay due to procedure in the treatment of these cases, but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I will be very glad to look into it.

Mr. Russell

Is it not a fact that before a scheme can be got going it is necessary to consult three Government Departments, two organisations connected with the building industry and at least three departments of the local authority, and that an attempt to launch one in Wembley last year involved six months of vigorous correspondence before a refusal was obtained?

Mr. Stokes

Yes, I know, but, in regard to the last part of the supplementary question, there were already schemes in operation there. A considerable amount of taxpayers' money was involved, and we did not think that another was justified.