§ 68. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Works what effect he anticipates that the increase in the price of petrol will have on the cost of transporting and delivering building materials to housing sites.
§ Mr. StokesThe effect of the increase in the price of petrol depends on such a wide variety of circumstances that I am unable to forecast any particular increase in the cost of building.
§ Mr. RussellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be a serious increase in the cost of building materials? Will he consider how much effect this rise will have upon the cost of the housing programme?
§ Mr. StokesThat is not my opinion, and I should hesitate to give a definite opinion until there has been further experience. The hon. Gentleman should realise that many methods of transport may be involved in the shifting of building materials, and that it does not necessarily follow that this rise will be the cause of serious difficulty.