§ 35. Sir PHILIP LLOYD-GREAMEasked the Minister of Health whether the Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act to inquire into the cost of building materials has made its Report; and, if not, whether he can say when this Report will be received?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. The four Sectional Sub-Committees appointed by the Central Committee to investigate cement and mortar; light castings; stone, bricks and clayware, and timber have not yet made their reports. The Committee, which has been investigating stone, bricks and clayware, and the Committee investigating timber, are now engaged in the preparation of their draft reports, and I hope that they may be published in a short time. I am unable to say when the other Committees named will be in a position to make their reports, but it is hoped that they will have completed their investigations at an early date.
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lack of accurate information as to whether or not there is profiteering in the various stages of building materials manufacture is having a very serious effect on labour, and will he take all possible steps to expedite these reports?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThere is always the danger of getting inaccurate information by hurrying these Committees. It is difficult to advise them. Better leave the matter to them.