HC Deb 25 March 1948 vol 448 cc3327-8
32. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Health what stocks of timber are available for house building in the West Midlands.

Mr. Bevan

Stocks of timber held by merchants are not specifically earmarked for house building, or for any other particular purpose.

Sir J. Mellor

If the Minister does not know what are the stocks, how can he say that there is a shortage?

Mr. Bevan

The hon. Member is asking whether I know what stocks are held in a particular area. I would point out to him that the stocks in a particular area are not necessarily earmarked for building in that area.

Sir J. Mellor

Would it not be much better if the right hon. Gentleman were to allow stocks in the West Midlands to be used in the West Midlands? If he did, we might get the houses.

Mr. Bevan

It would also be much better if the hon. Member asked his Question with more precision.