§ 78. Mr. G. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of paper liner for plasterboard is holding up the housing programme of local authorities; and what steps are being taken to increase supplies.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am aware that the plasterboard industry, in common with other industries using paper and board, are having difficulty with supplies of liner, but not to the extent of causing a serious interruption in the housing programme. The liner manufacturers are handicapped at present by the shortage of waste paper, supplies of which should improve shortly as a result of the national salvage campaign. Meanwhile they have been asked to maintain supplies of plasterboard liner at a level sufficient for the essential requirements of the housing programme.
§ Mr. JegerIf I bring to my hon. Friend's attention any special cases in which housing programmes are being held up, will he take exceptional steps to see that they get supplies of plasterboard?
§ Mr. BottomleyI will examine any case that is forwarded to me.