§ 43. Mr. J. Hudsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the adverse report by the regional architect of his Department on the restoration of the war-damaged Grange in St. Stephen's Road, Ealing, for which building licences amounting to £16,210 were issued between June. 1950, and August, 1951, why these licences were proceeded with.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanThis was a case of extensive war damage. There has, fear, been some lack of regard for economy in the repairs and improvements authorised in this case. By the time my attention was drawn to the matter it would have been false economy to stop the work.
§ Mr. HudsonWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his assurance that he has given me about the watchfulness of his Department in this matter, may I ask him whether it is not true that, in the early stages of this enormous expenditure on one house, there was a report given by his officer against proceeding with the heavy expenditure? How has it come about that that report has not been of greater efficacy?
§ Mr. MacmillanIt may have been, but I am afraid I was not here then.