§ 11. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Works the proposed quantity and value of imports of cement and cement clinker for which sanction to the cement trade has recently been given; and from what countries are these imports of cement to be obtained.
§ Mr. StokesDetailed arrangements have been discussed with the cement industry for the import of 60,000 tons of cement and 20,000 tons of cement clinker from Belgium and Germany, at a total 9 f.o.b. cost of approximately £312,000. Licences have been issued to other importers, but I do not know how far they will, in fact, be used.
§ Mr. CooperHas my right hon. Friend had brought to his attention the fact that certain schemes in various parts of the country, including Tees-side, are being held up because of the shortage of cement? Will this temporary arrangement fill the gap, and is this a further example of monopoly capitalism failing to expand sufficiently to cover the public demand?
§ Mr. StokesYes, Sir; I have heard quite a lot about it. I have been in consultation with the industry and they assure me that by the end of July the steps which have now been taken should meet all the necessary requirements. I am watching the situation very closely, however, and we shall take other steps if that does not prove to be the case.
§ 12. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the delays and irregularities in the delivery of cement in rural Essex; if he has considered the further representations on this matter forwarded to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StokesI am aware of difficulties in this area. Deliveries in Essex have been substantially increased since these difficulties first arose, and I am satisfied that Essex is now receiving a fair share of total supplies. The rate at which Continental cement is being imported, has been doubled. I hope that the effect of this will be felt very shortly in Essex and elsewhere.
§ Mr. DribergHow soon does my right hon. Friend anticipate that there will no longer be any risk of housing schemes being delayed by non-delivery of cement? Incidentally, has my right hon. Friend yet discovered, as he had not on a previous occasion, that Essex is not part of East Anglia?
§ Mr. StokesI will not enter into a geographical quarrel with my hon. Friend, but I am satisfied that the steps which we have now taken, as advised by the trade, should be sufficient to fill the gap. I have asked them to give the very highest priority to all house-building schemes.
§ Captain DuncanWho allocates the imported cement? Is it done by the Department of the right hon. Gentleman, or by which other Department?
§ Mr. StokesIt is entirely done by the trade.
§ Mr. BraineIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that despite the assurances which he has given now and previously, the position is rapidly worsening in Essex, and will he look into the matter again and deal with any correspondence which is sent to him?
§ Mr. StokesI have taken the best available advice. I do not distribute or manufacture cement, and I am surprised to hear the repeated shouts from the Opposition for the nationalisation of the cement industry.