§ 18. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that local authorities in Scotland have had to pay higher prices for cement as a result of rail transportation; and whether he will take steps to have this charge borne by the Exchequer.
§ Mr. WoodburnMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Works recently secured additional supplies of cement to expedite Scottish housing progress, and because of ship-loading difficulties these supplies are being taken as a matter of urgency by road to the schemes of local authorities who are willing to pay the extra transport charges. In the circumstances I do not propose that the cost should be borne by the Exchequer.
§ Mr. WillisIn view of the fact that the responsibility for these shortages would appear to be a responsibility of the central government and not the local government, is it right to ask the local government to bear these costs?
§ Mr. WoodburnThis cement was brought by road to save the local authorities considerable losses in having to stand off men. The costs were due to what insurance policies call an act of God—fog and other things of that kind.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that although the Minister of Works told me last week there was no shipping accommodation, I am informed that in fact ships are leaving the Thames for Scotland with no cargo at all, and will he look into it?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe hon. Member will have to apply to the Minister of Transport about that.
§ Mr. Hector HughesWill the Minister consult with the Minister of Transport, or British Railways, or whoever is the appropriate authority, with a view to securing a flat rate for the transport not only of cement, but also of fish and other commodities between North and South?