§ 24. Sir R. Glynasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what are the present day costs of timber 223 and bricks, compared with pre-war prices; and what percentage of these materials are used in the construction of the average type of council house.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)The cost of timber for building purposes has risen approximately 160 per cent. since 1939. At its present price it accounts for £130 of the present-day cost of a typical house, as against £50 pre-war, a difference of £80 per house, and represents over 25 per cent. of the cost of materials in a house. Bricks have gone up approximately 45 per cent. At their present price, bricks account for £84 of the present-day cost of a house as against £58 pre-war, a difference of £26 per house; this represents 17 per cent. of materials in a house.
§ Sir R. GlynWhat steps are being taken to bring down the prices of timber? Is it really necessary that the prices should be so high, and what are the causes? Who is making the profit?
§ Mr. HicksMy Noble Friend keeps an eagle eye on the cost of all new building in this country, and is constantly examining the prices of the materials which go to make a house. Constant inquiries are being made about every section of the industry—bricks, sand, lime, cement, timber, and materials of every sort—and constant efforts are made to reduce the cost of raw materials.
§ Sir R. GlynIs there any hope that prices will be brought down by Government action?