asked the Minister of Works when a licence was issued to convert No. 227 Cross Lane, Salford, from a dental surgery to a milk bar and ice cream business, what was the cost of the conversion, and who applied for the licence.

The only licences in this case were issued by the Salford City Council, at dates when the premises were in use as a milk bar. They were not for purposes of conversion.

In view of the unsatisfactory state of cottage property in Salford, where a protest meeting was held by members of the council, and estate agents and landlords cannot get the necessary materials to make such property fit for habitation, will my right hon. Friend give priority in this matter over milk bars and ice cream merchants?

These licences, which were for amounts below £100, were issued by the Salford City Council, and they are the responsible housing authority for the district.

If a recommendation is made by another Government Department does it automatically follow that the Ministry of Works will grant a licence?

No, Sir, but in this case no such recommendation was made.

How is it that priority can be obtained for a milk bar, but not for plumbing for an agricultural cottage?

There was no conversion to a milk bar in this case at all; the milk bar was there before the licence was granted.