§ 39. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Swansea direct administration building scheme is practically at a standstill for the want of certain classes of building materials; whether he is aware that a large quantity of wall-ties were ordered from the Director of Building Materials on 11th May, and so far have not been delivered; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter and supplies expedited to enable the bricklayers to carry on their work?
§ Dr ADDISONI cannot accept the statement in the first part of the question. I am informed by the responsible local officer attached to my Department that since 3rd May (the date from which the work has been carried out by direct administration) the supply of all materials, except wall ties, has been satisfactory, and that the progress made during May was better than in any previous month. On the 14th of this month a visit was made to the site by the local officer, who found all bricklayers at work. 2172 As regards wall ties, I am informed that an order for 15 cwt. was placed by the Director of Building Materials Supply by wire on the 11th May. A further order for 35 cwt. (the balance of the local authority's requisition) was placed by letter on the 15th May. Fifteen cwt. wall ties were delivered on the site on the 13th June, and in the meantime authority was given for the purchase locally of small consignments which were sufficient to prevent a stoppage of work.