§ 33. Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Works if his attention has been drawn to the anxieties of the Dorset Master Thatchers' Association about the future of their ancient craft; and if he is prepared to abolish the regulation that a building licence must be obtained where the cost of thatching a building is estimated to be more than £100, since the materials used in thatching are not controlled or scarce and thatchers are not employed on any other type of building work.
§ Mr. G. BrownNo, Sir. I have not heard that the building licensing regulations have caused any difficulty to thatchers. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I should be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. DigbyIs the Minister aware of the importance of encouraging thatchers in regular work in view of the large number of buildings which are thatched and cannot be converted at the present time?
§ Mr. BrownYes, I am most certainly aware of its importance, and if the hon. Gentleman has any difficulty, perhaps he will let me know.