§ 51. Mr. Ramsdenasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what movements there have been in the price of the principal imported building materials over the last four months; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. James Boyden)Timber is the only major imported building material. In the four months up to February the average increase in price was about 1 per cent.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterHow far is the increase due to the surcharge?
§ Mr. BoydenIt is not possible to say because the proportion of the increased costs which may be borne by the merchants is not known.