HC Deb 06 December 1948 vol 459 cc33-4
72. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Minister of Works what has been the result of his discussions with representatives of the manufacturers and distributors of building materials and components about the report of Lord Simon of Wythenshawe's Committee of Inquiry into the organisation and distribution of building materials and components; and whether His Majesty's Government will now implement the committee's recommendation for immediate action by the Government to control distributor's margins on materials and components.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)

Since engaging in the discussions referred to in the first part of the question, I have been notified of reductions in the prices of a number of materials and components. In reply to the second half of the question, control is being exercised over margins in a number of the more important cases by the fixing of maximum prices to the user and in other cases by the operation of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Orders.

Mr. Jones

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that his power of control is adequate to deal with the problem referred to in the Question?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir. I think the way in which it is working out will prove that it is adequate.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend publish a list of these reductions so that we may judge the effect of this report? Secondly, is he considering referring the industries concerned to the appropriate monopoly commission of inquiry?

Mr. Key

With regard to the second part of the question, I have already said, in reply to a Question last month, that we are considering one or two cases for inquiry. I must think again about the publication of the whole list of reductions.

Mr. Gibson

Can the Minister say when the reductions in prices about which he has notified the manufacturers will come into operation?

Mr. Key

Those to which I have referred have already taken place.