§ 21. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Works the number of houses whose construction has been held up by reason of failure of timber supplies.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI regret that there are no available statistics on this point.
§ Mr. Derek Walker-SmithCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the houses that are held up for lack of timber will continue to be held up until the Baltic ports become unfrozen next summer, and allow for the importation of more timber?
§ Mr. TomlinsonIt may be that some are held up at the moment through waiting for an allocation which can be made at the beginning of January. The allocations for the present period have run out.
Mr. E. P. SmithIs it not a fact that all the houses that are held up are really held up for lack of timber?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes the right hon. Gentleman's reply to the first supplementary question mean that there is timber in this country which is held up merely because his Department will not release it?
§ Sir W. SmithersThat is true.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir, it means that allocations have been made to cover a period in order that the supplies which are available may be used to the best advantage. When those supplies again become available for the first quarter's allocation for next year some relief may be obtained.
§ Sir W. WakefieldCan the right hon. Gentleman say what steps have been taken to use alternative materials in place of timber?
§ Mr. TomlinsonSteps have been taken to bring to the notice of authorities and contractors the materials which can be used as alternatives to timber and, in addition to that, the amount of timber to be used in houses has been cut from two standards to 1.6.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's replies, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this matter again on the Adjournment, at the first opportunity.