§ 48. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he is satisfied that supplies of plasterboarding are sufficient; and what estimate he has made of the effect on building of recent price increases.
§ The Minister of Public Building and Works (Mr. John Silkin)There is no 434 shortage of plasterboard and none is foreseen. The recent price increase of 2d. a square yard corresponds to less than 30s. in respect of an average house.
§ Mr. EadieCan my right hon. Friend tell the House how far the supply and price of plasterboard was aggravated by the fact that hon. Gentlemen opposite, when in office, as a result of their bungling incompetence, produced a shortage of plasterboard which had a serious effect on the building industry?
§ Mr. SilkinI am grateful that I am not responsible for the sins of the Opposition when they were in Government. As for the present position, we have sufficient capacity, and the price increase will make very little difference to the price of an average house, I am glad to say.