§ 16. Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what discussions he has had with representatives of building trade unions on the subject of supply of building materials; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. C. PannellThe supply of building materials is discussed regularly at the quarterly meetings of my National Consultative Committee at which the trade unions are represented, and I have also had correspondence with them about particular shortages. As far as I am aware, in no case have shortages of materials led to unemployment.
§ Mr. UrwinWould not my right hon. Friend agree that had the building material supply section of the industry been properly planned under previous Governments, productivity in the industry would have increased by more than the 7½ per cent. record which it achieved last year? Will he ensure that the situation is remedied as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. PannellI am far more prone to turn my mind to the brighter future than to the sordid past.
§ 37. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to ease the shortage of cement, plasterboard and bricks in Suffolk.
§ Mr. BoydenI have no reason to believe that the situation in Suffolk is appreciably different from that for the rest of England.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the Minister aware that in saying that the position is no different from anywhere else he is not saying very much? Is he aware that the situation is not good in Suffolk and that there is a growing shortage of these building materials and labour? Would he take steps to see that builders, in good weather, can get on with the job?
§ Mr. BoydenYes, Sir, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman can help me in this by letting me know of any situation with which I can deal.