§ 49. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Production whether he has considered the second Annual Report of the Combined Raw Materials Board, a copy of which has been sent to him, regarding an easier raw materials supply position; and if he will increase allocations of certain raw materials to manufacturers of goods for civilian consumption.
§ The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)When drawing attention in its second Annual Report to the easier supply position of certain important raw materials, the Combined Raw Materials Board pointed out that this did not necessarily permit of any increase in consumption in view of other limiting factors such as man-power, shipping and plant capacity. Where circumstances permit and it would clearly not be detrimental to war production, I am always prepared, in consultation with my colleagues in other Departments concerned, to consider allocating additional material for the manufacture of goods for civilian consumption and for export. But I must point out that in present conditions no substantial increase in such manufacture can be expected.
§ Mr. EdwardsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what raw materials connected with the building industry are short in supply for private building?
§ Mr. LytteltonI must have notice of that question.