HC Deb 08 May 1951 vol 487 cc1741-2
26. Mr. Frank McLeavy

asked the Minister of Works the number of building licences which his Department have granted since March, 1951, to industrial firms in respect of alterations to or construction of buildings for recreational purposes; and the total number of applications received over the same period.

Mr. G. Brown

Thirty-seven such licences have been granted since 1st March, 1951. Precise figures of the number of applications are not readily available, but they amounted to about double the number granted.

Mr. McLeavy

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that there has been considerable disappointment, particularly in Yorkshire, at the lack of consideration given by his predecessor to representations for recreational facilities? If I bring to his notice a case which has been under consideration by his predecessor for over 12 months, will he go into it personally and see what can be done about it?

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir. I will look into it, but we have to remember that we are carrying out a very large building programme at the moment and there must obviously be some restrictions and difficulties.

Mr. McLeavy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I was asked in this particular case to get the firm to make a re-application in March of last year, that the amount is very small, that it is necessary to provide these recreational facilities for the staff, and that the Minister has found it impossible to grant a licence?

29. Mr. Marples

asked the Minister of Works what steps he takes when granting licences for building civil engineering construction to ensure that any steel required is available.

Mr. G. Brown

None, Sir.

Mr. Marples

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that a large amount of building has started after licences have been granted and then stopped because of the lack of steel? Would it not be better if some system were adopted whereby, when licences were given, the authorities made sure that the steel was available for the buildings?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Gentleman is pressing for further Government controls, I will certainly consider it.

34. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of increased cost of building materials, he will consider raising the free limit of £100 on repairs.

Mr. G. Brown

This point will be among those to be considered in deciding on the amount which may be spent without licence in the period beginning 1st July, 1951.

Mr. Remnant

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account that unless an alteration is made the higher price of materials means that fewer repairs can be done to old buildings?

Mr. Brown

Certainly, but there are considerations on the other side, such as the pressure of the defence programme.