§ 19. Captain W. BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he-is aware of the difficulty that has arisen with regard to building on small holdings-in Scotland and of the fact that cement shows a 100 per cent. rise in price and other building materials similar or greater increases; and whether he will now permit the free import of cement and other building materials?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am informed by the Secretary for Scotland that the facts as to prices of materials given in the hon. and gallant Member's question appear to be correct. With reference to the latter part of the question, the maintenance or modification of the restrictions is under consideration.
§ Captain BENNIs the Board of Trade-preventing the import of cement which is urgently needed for small holdings in. Scotland?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is under consideration.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not cement being prevented from coming to this country in the interests of the shareholders in cement companies?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs a matter of fact the increase in price is not greater in regard to this article than in regard to other materials.
§ Mr. HOLMESWould it not be lower if more were allowed to come in free?
§ Major PRESCOTTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that cement has gone up 3s. per ton during the last three days?
§ Mr. G. BALFOURIs he aware that such a policy would put people out of employment in the cement works of this country?