§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that serious delays of payments to small contractors engaged on London repairs are occurring due to shortage of staff; and will he speed up the return of staff from less important work to which they had previously been directed.
§ Mr. WillinkI am aware that some complaints have been made, but these have been dealt with promptly and steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence. If my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind and will let me have details, I will have them investigated at once. I972W am doing my utmost to strengthen the staffs of local authorities for this as well as for other purposes.
§ Mrs. Cazalet Keirasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether the additional labour which is being allocated to the London boroughs for first-aid repairs is also expected to deal with the necessary work being done under licences for work exceeding the £10 limit.
§ Mr. HicksThe additional labour is expected to deal with work licensed by the local authority or certified by them to be essential as well as with repairs to houses carried out direct for the local authority; it is not expected to deal with work on buildings other than houses, costing £100 or more, which is licensed by Ministry of Works.