HC Deb 27 July 1950 vol 478 c663
12. Mr. Bell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that work on a housing estate at Ealing is being seriously delayed because the timber control are at present unable to supply the necessary timber to the contractors, Messrs. Y. J. Lovell of Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire; and what action he is taking.

Mr. H. Wilson

I understand that the hon. Member is referring to the Medlar Farm Housing Estate, Ealing, and I am informed that no work has been delayed there by lack of timber. My inquiries show that the contractors made their approach to Timber Control in anticipation of difficulties which did not, in fact, arise; in the event, they were able to meet their requirements from timber merchants in the normal way.

Mr. Bell

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the contractors have informed me that their work was held up on this job? Does that delay not show that in spite of the answer given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys), on 11th July, housing contracts are being delayed by lack of timber?

Mr. Wilson

The statement that there are no timber difficulties in this contract came to my Department from the deputy borough surveyor of Ealing Corporation.