§ 51. Mr. Mulleyasked the Minister of Works if he will state the reductions in the price of cement and plaster board which have followed reductions in the cost of paper since 11th March, 1952.
§ Mr. EcclesIn addition to the reduction in the price of cement by 3s. a ton on 3rd June over most of the United Kingdom, I am informed that another reduction will be made as soon as the very considerable stocks of paper bought at high prices have been exhausted. I am also informed that there has been no recent change in the price of plaster board, and that an increase in net costs has more than offset the reduction in the price of paper.
§ Mr. MulleyWill the Minister give some details of the additional costs which plaster board manufacturers have incurred, because I think he will agree that the cost of paper lining is a substantial part of the cost of plaster board? On many occasions the manufacturers claim increases, and this is one of the reasons given for them.
§ Mr. EcclesThe additional cost, which is 2.9d. per yard, appears to be largely due to wages, transport and some decline in turnover, which naturally puts up the cost per unit.