HC Deb 30 November 1933 vol 283 c1038
31. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Minister of Health if he has received any report recently from the Inter-Departmental Committee to survey the prices of building materials; and, if so, whether it indicates any notable variations in prices?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend understands that such a report will reach him shortly and may be expected to show some increase in the prices of timber and iron goods and some decline in the price of cement.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not a fact that, owing to the differences between this country and Russia, the price of building materials, particularly wood, is much dearer, and that as a result house building is being held up in various parts of the country?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I do not accept that statement, but in any case, the price of timber is not a very large matter in the aggregate price of house building.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

If I give the hon. Member facts, will he look into them? Greenock have held up their house building. I gave the facts to the President of the Board of Trade, and he says it is a matter for the Ministry of Health.

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