asked the Minister of Works what is the purpose of continuing the registration of decorating firms.

The registration of decorating firms, together with all other firms in the building and civil engineering industries, continues for the purpose of collecting statistics of employment and output in these industries.

Is this creation of a virtual closed shop in the decorating industry really justified for the sake of a few statistics?

Decorating forms a considerable part of the amount spent on maintenance, and it is considered absolutely necessary to keep a proper record.

Will the registration be removed as soon as possible?

Not in the foreseeable future.