57. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the market prices of building materials required by Newcastle Corporation have advanced since the beginning of the year as follows: common bricks 2S. 6d. to 4s. 6d. per 1,000, facing bricks 9s. per 1,000, damp-proof course and asphalt materials 7½ per cent. increase, timber per standard 12½ per cent. increase, steel and iron 10 per cent. to 15 per cent. increase, lead 40 per cent. increase, copper 4d. to 6d. per pound increase; and whether steps are being taken to protect local authorities from exploitation?
§ Sir K. WoodI understand that there have been recent rises in the prices of certain materials in Newcastle, and that the Inter-departmental Committee on the Prices of Building Materials are in communication with their local correspondent at Newcastle as to the particular increases referred to. I also understand that the committee are giving their careful consideration to recent increases in the prices of building materials, not only at Newcastle but in other parts of the country.
Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that many contractors are taking advantage of the present trade boom unduly to inflate prices to local authorities for housing and other purposes?
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs it not the case that those commodities of which the prices have gone up are entirely commodities which are imported duty free?
Mr. AlexanderCould not the Minister consider giving to the Committee on Building Material Prices such powers as would enable them effectively to check this rise?
§ Sir K. WoodI discussed that matter with the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues during the time of his own party's administration.