§ 26 and 27. Mr. WHITEasked the Minister of Health (1) if he has received any report from the inter-departmental committee on prices of building materials on the movement of the price of timber Since the embargo on imports of timber from Russia was imposed;
(2) what steps the Government propose to prevent a rise in the cost of building in this country as a result of the embargo on imports of Russian timber?
§ 28. Mr. RICHARD EVANSasked the Minister of Health the effect of the embargo on importations from Russia on the building industry in this country?
Sir H. YOUNGI have not received a recent report from the committee mentioned, but the information available to 509 me does not suggest that there has been more than a very slight increase in the price of timber. I shall watch the course of prices.
§ Mr. WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on current prices this is equivalent to an increase in the cost of the smallest houses of £10; that stocks have been raised in value and that suppliers have also increased their prices?
Sir H. YOUNGThe information at my disposal does not tend to suggest that there has been so big a rise as the hon. Member mentioned.
§ Mr. LUNNCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the rise is? If there is a rise in the cost of building material, will he withdraw the embargo which is causing it?
Sir H. YOUNGThe rise has been very slight, but, if the hon. Member will put down a question, I will give him the exact figure.