HC Deb 09 March 1939 vol 344 cc2334-5
49. Mr. Arthur Greenwood

asked the Minister of Health on what date he proposes to publish the report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the prices of building materials with reference to increased cement prices?

Mr. Elliot

As I stated in my speech last Thursday on the Civil Estimates relating to the office of the Lord Privy Seal, the Inter-Departmental Committee recommended that I should go into the question of cement prices with the manufacturers and this is being done.

Mr. Greenwood

Having had about three months for this purpose, is not the right hon Gentleman in a position to make a reply, especially in view of the growing concern about the level of cement prices and the record of profits which is being declared by the combine?

Mr. Elliot

I went into this point at some length in my speech, and I think the action which I am taking is fully justified by the recommendation of the Committee and the practice in previous cases.

Mr. Greenwood

But is not three months sufficiently long in view of the rising profits which are still being made? May I ask whether the Service Departments are satisfied, whether they have made any complaints, and whether the Inter-Departmental Committee will be invited to consider them?

Mr. Elliot

I do not think the time taken has been unduly long. It concerns not only the Service Departments, but the trade and industry of the country as a whole.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he has had the report of the Committee, of which I am a member, prices have been increased, and increased against the Service Departments?

Mr. Elliot

I know I have had a report of the Committee of which the right hon. Gentleman is a member. He has repeatedly informed me in the House of that fact. I am taking the action which he recommended me to take.

Mr. Alexander

Why does not the Minister publish the report?

Mr. Elliot

Because the right hon. Gentleman did not recommend me to publish it.

Mr. Hicks

I am also a member of the Committee and have been for 14 or 15 years, and may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if the Committee finds it is unable to get the evidence necessary because of its limited powers of reference, he will be willing to consider altering the terms of reference so that the Committee may have greater power and authority to get the evidence necessary?

Mr. Elliot

That is a hypothetical question, but if my consultations with the cement industry in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee are unsatisfactory, I shall certainly need to consider what further steps to take.

Mr. Greenwood

Could the right hon. Gentleman give some approximate date when he is likely to publish the report in view of the fact that the Service Departments are complaining about increased prices?

Mr. Elliot

I could certainly not give any promise about publishing the report. I have followed the practice which has been taken in previous cases and which has been recommended by the Committee. The publication of the report is not one of those steps.

Mr. Greenwood

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this profiteering ramp is wasting public money on a large scale?

Mr. Elliot

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman is right in saying that. A Committee of several Members of this House has recommended a course of action, and I think the Minister is to be praised for carrying out the course recommended.