HC Deb 07 March 1945 vol 408 cc2027-8
70. Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Works whether his attention has been called to the shortage of plaster supplies in Liverpool and the consequent hold-up in building work in that district; and if he will take immediate steps to remedy this shortage.

Mr. Sandys

The demand for hardwall plaster far exceeds the present available supplies. In view of the difficulties experienced in Liverpool, some 60 tons of plaster have been, or are in the process of being, despatched to that area.

Mr. Kirby

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask him if he will pay particular attention to this matter in that district, and if he can tell us why thousands of houses blitzed over four years ago are still vacant and wanting repairs?

Mr. Sandys

Certainly.

Mr. Logan

Can the Minister give us any idea when the material was despatched, having regard to the immediate need for this particular plaster?

Mr. Sandys

I have not got the figures with me, but I believe I am right in saying that, during the last week or 10 days, 25 tons were sent and that another 35 tons will be sent in the next fortnight.

Mr. Sliverman

Will the Minister say whether it is still his policy to prohibit the transport of all building materials to any part of the country except London? Is that policy still in force?

Mr. Sandys

That has never been the policy. Our policy is to distribute the available building materials over the whole of the country according to need. The needs of London have, of course, been very great in the last few months.