HC Deb 14 May 1941 vol 371 cc1195-7
22. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that the total cost of manufacturing cement at certain factories is not more than 20s. per ton; and whether he will seek powers to control the selling price so as to avoid excessive prices being fixed by the cement combine?

Mr. Hicks

I am not aware of any case in which cement manufacturing costs are as low as 20s. per ton. As regards the last part of the Question, the industry has submitted to a voluntary control of prices, which has been in operation for a considerable period, and the Ministry are satisfied that current price levels are not excessive.

Mr. Edwards

Can the hon. Gentleman say what that controlled price is to-day?

Mr. Hicks

It varies. Of course, there is a controlled price at the works, but it varies, by units of 5 miles, according to the distance which it is conveyed from the works to the job. But there is an independent technical examination given at my Ministry to all changes of prices, which are constantly checked.

23. Mr. Edwards

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that the cement combine representatives hold all the controlling positions in Government departments, which is preventing unbiased and constructive proposals being fairly considered; and whether he will provide for the highest positions dealing with special interests being held by disinterested persons?

Mr. Hicks

No, Sir; so far as the Ministry of Works and Buildings is concerned, the only responsible post in this Ministry connected with cement is that of Director of Cement, and the holder ceased to act as independent chairman of the Cement Manufacturers' Federation on appointment to his present position. I may add that my Noble Friend some months ago appointed an independent committee to inquire into cement production in relation to current and potential future demands. This committee has taken evidence from all the interests concerned; its report has been received and is now under consideration.

Mr. Edwards

Is it not a fact that the controller is still paid by the cement combine, and that the effective controller, who is usually in attendance with the Director, his immediate chief, is known, as has been pointed out in the Press recently, as the Danish Quisling, and does not the Minister of Transport think that that is a dangerous situation?

Mr. Hicks

I cannot accept the implications of my hon. Friend's suggestion. I can only say that the Director of Cement was appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister, and he has no longer any effective control of the cement industry. He is working voluntarily, and he is supposed to understand—and I think he does understand—the industry, and I thought one of the best efforts in this war was to find people who know their job.

Mr. Edwards

Is he not still paid by the cement combine?

Mr. Hicks

He is not being paid by the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

Mr. Edwards

But is he not paid by the cement combine?

Mr. Hicks

I cannot answer that.

Mr. Lyons

Can my hon. Friend find out whether he is being paid directly by the trade concerned in matters on which he is now asked to adjudicate?

Mr. Hicks

If my hon. Friend will put that question down, I will endeavour to answer it.

Mr. Lyons

But does not the hon. Gentleman know?