78. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the lengthening delays experienced by local merchants in obtaining supplies of cast iron spouting and rainwater guttering; and when increased supplies can be expected.
§ Mr. KeyI am aware of difficulty in obtaining these goods and my regional officers will do all they can to assist in meeting priority needs if they are given details of specific cases. Supplies are limited by the shortage of labour and machinery, but I am in consultation with the industry upon the possibility of increased output.
Mr. VaneIs the Minister aware that the position is really serious, and that manufacturers are quoting merchants up to three years' delivery; and that in districts where there is heavy rainfall, deterioration of walls and foundations is extremely rapid?
§ Mr. KeyI am aware of the seriousness of the situation. The period to which the hon. Gentleman refers is rather surprising to me, but we are doing all we can to meet the needs of the areas concerned.
§ Sir Harold WebbeWill the right hon. Gentleman direct his inspectors to investigate the stocks of these materials lying in Government dumps?
§ Mr. KeyIf the hon. Gentleman will give me the addresses of the dumps concerned, I will have inquiries made. I shall be surprised if there are any great quantities involved.