HC Deb 27 January 1953 vol 510 cc840-1
43. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Works what steps are being taken to deal with current shortages of building materials.

Mr. Eccles

Production of building materials for which I am responsible continues to increase. Current shortages are not widespread and appear to be decreasing.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

As Questions put to the right hon. Gentleman today prove that shortages of all kinds are occurring up and down the country, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that this mad unregulated scramble for building materials, deliberately caused by the present Government, is considerably adding to the cost of housing construction?

Mr. Eccles

It has been a surprise even to Conservative Ministers that the building industry has been able to expand and use a much larger quantity of materials with the same labour force than it did before.

Mr. H. Nicholls

Are not these figures proof of the improvement of productivity, when the same labour force can use so much more material?