HC Deb 16 February 1920 vol 125 cc513-4
62. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed by the City Council of Hull protesting against the abnormally high prices of building materials and urging the necessity of an inquiry; what action he intends taking; and whether anything can be done to immediately fix maximum prices on the principal building materials while waiting for the Report of the Committee now sitting to deal with a portion of the problem.

97. Sir ALFRED YEO

asked the Minister of Health whether any action had been taken in regard to the allegations of profiteering in the building trade; and, if not, is it his intention to take action immediately, in view of the effect upon the speedy building of houses?

Sir A. GEDDES

I have been asked to reply to these questions. Resolutions have been received from several sources calling attention to the high prices of building materials. A Sub-committee has been appointed under the Profiteering Act to inquire into the cost and profits made in the production of building materials, and I accordingly propose to await the report of the Committee before deciding whether maximum prices should be fixed.