§ Mr. Garry Allighanasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the Borough of Gravesend are involved in an annual expenditure of £1,400 in administering the directions of his Department with regard to the licensing of essential works; that this work is done on behalf of the Government with the local authority-acting in the capacity of agents; that the 102W average number of applications is 2,080 per year, to the total value of £156,000; and if he will make this charge a Government responsibility.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI am aware of the information given regarding the issue of licences by the Borough of Gravesend. In reply to the last part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 4th June this year to the hon. and gallant Member for Renfrew, Eastern (Major Lloyd), a copy of which I am sending to him.