HC Deb 15 March 1948 vol 448 c1672
5. Mr. H. D. Hughes

asked the Minister of Works if he has investigated the system of nominated middlemen stipulated in contracts for the erection of B.I.S.F. houses in Wolverhampton, about which the hon. Member for West Wolverhampton wrote to his Department on 28th October last; and what steps have been taken to correct the excessive distribution charges for housing components which this system imposes.

Mr. Key

My hon. Friend's suggestion was that the facts should be reported to the Committee of Inquiry on the Distribution of Building Materials and Components, and this was done. The case will be considered in the light of the Committee's Report.

Mr. Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the information I supplied to him on this occasion is that the middleman's margin on taps, which cost 5s. 4d. to produce, is 3s. 10d.? Does he consider that this kind of margin is reasonable, and in view of the fact that several months have elapsed while the Committee have been considering this can urgent steps be taken to deal with and reduce these excessive margins?

Mr. Key

The Committee have had this point before them, and when their report has been investigated I shall go further into the matter.