HC Deb 24 June 1952 vol 502 cc2016-7
12. Mr. Ewart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent the housing programme is being retarded by a shortage of steel pipes and cement.

Mr. H. Macmillan

There are shortages in a few areas which we are doing all we can to overcome.

Mr. Ewart

Is the Minster aware that shortages of steel pipes and cement are retarding housing programmes on the North-West Coast, and particularly in Sunderland? Does he not agree that the local authorities will not complete their programme of 300,000 houses unless building materials are forthcoming?

Mr. Macmillan

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman asked that supplementary because it enables me to say that, as he probably knows, the total production of cement in the country is increasing. The problem is of transport, and one of the places where the problem arises is in the North-East area, which is not a cement-producing area. There was a period in the winter, and at other times, when the transport problem was too big for us, but that is being dealt with. The production of cement is increasing, as a whole, and it is now a matter of moving it to the right place at the right time. Incidentally, the number of housing completions in Sunderland and the North-East is growing.

Mr. Ewart

Will the Minister deal with the shortage of steel pipes, because this is a serious matter? It is affecting the housing programme inasmuch as gas services are provided in only a certain number of houses, while in other houses the tenants are deprived of the amenities which they desire. In other words, they are being offered a choice of gas or electricity, and that is due to the shortage of pipes.

Mr. Macmillan

Here again, the hon. Gentleman insists on using the words "steel pipes" as if that were a single kind or article. If he means steel mains, there is a shortage and long delivery dates, but if he means steel conduit pipes to carry electric wires, there are many other substitutes which could be used.

Mr. Manuel

Could the Minister indicate when he talks about completions, how many completions there have been and how many authorities given for house building since the present Government came into office?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not think I should anticipate the next housing statement or I should get into trouble with the hon. Member for Reading, South (Mr. Mikardo).

Mr. Ewart

May I tell the Minister that I was referring to gas pipes?