23 and 24. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the marketing of cement in this country has, by agreement as to prices among producers, become a virtual monoply, and that as a result users of cement here are being charged excessively for the same; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation;
(2) whether, in view of the present diminution of building, due partly to the high costs in this important key industry, and in view of the present and prospective requirements of the nation in its defence preparations, he will consider the urgency of recommending to the Import Duties Advisory Committee the removal of the import duty upon foreign cement?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I am aware that the Cement Makers' Federation have arrangements for regulating the price of cement sold by their members. If users of cement are of opinion that the removal of the import duty on foreign cement would be advantageous to their interests, 729 it is open to them to make representations to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware of the very substantial rise which has taken place recently in British cement?
§ Mr. StanleyThere has been a rise, but it is not an abnormal one, and it is explained by the producers that one of the chief factors in the rise has been the increased cost of coal.
§ Mr. PetherickWill my right hon. Friend take careful note of the conversion of hon. Member's opposite to the advantages of competition?