Ministry of Works
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The Ministry of Works was a department of the UK Government formed in 1943 to organise the requisitioning of property for wartime use. After World War II, the Ministry retained responsibility for Government building projects. In 1962 it was renamed to the Ministry of Public Building and Works, and acquired the extra responsibility of monitoring the building industry. In 1970 the Ministry was absorbed into the Department of the Environment.
Origins
The Ministry of Works descended from a long line of offices with responsibilities for managing Royal and then Governmental property. These are summarised below.
- 1378-1832 Office of Works. This office was established to oversee the building of the King's castles and residences.
- 1832-1851 Office of Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works and Buildings. The Office of Works continued to operate as the Works Department within the larger Office.
- 1851-1940 Office of Works. The Office was given a separate identity in order to bring it under the direct control of Parliament.
- 1940-1942 Ministry of Works and Buildings. The Ministry was formed during World War II as the Government's need for new buildings and the conversion of existing buildings became more urgent.
- 1942-1943 Ministry of Works and Planning.
- 1943-1962 Ministry of Works. See above.
- 1962-1970 Ministry of Public Building and Works. See above.