§ 9. Mr. TINKERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to state if there has been an increase in the price of timber used in house-building since the putting on of the embargo on Russian timber; and will he say what is the present price of Swedish white-floor boarding and the price three months ago?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)I have been asked to reply. During the past month timber prices have risen somewhat in certain centres, but the increase has not been general. As regards the latter part of the question, I am sending the hon. Member a statement of the prices of Swedish white flooring reported from various centres in the country at 1st March and 1st June respectively.
§ Mr. TINKERDo I understand from the answer that the cost of timber has risen because of the Russian embargo, and, if so, is the hon. Member making any overtures for the removal of the embargo, so that the cost of building houses may be kept as cheap as before?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIf the hon. Member will look at the price list that I am sending him, he will see that the increase in the cost has been almost negligible and in most parts of the country has not occurred at all.
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISIs it not correct to say that the cost of other building materials which are not affected by the Russian embargo has also increased?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe cost of the woodwork in a £350 house is only about £30, and therefore one need not anticipate a very serious increase in the cost of house building.
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISI referred to building materials other than timber.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave the Government made any estimate of what the increase is likely to be when existing stocks are exhausted?