§ 19. Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to improve the supply of building materials in North Worcestershire.
§ Mr. EyreSome building materials are overall in short supply and I am keeping in close touch with the manufacturers and their associations to ensure that everything possible is done to meet current difficulties. I have no evidence of any particular problems in North Worcestershire.
§ Mr. DavisIs the Minister aware that the building trades employers in North Worcestershire have expressed concern about the shortages, especially of bricks and steel, and about the rationing system which British Gypsum has imposed on the supply of plasterboard? Will he talk to British Gypsum?
§ Mr. EyreThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there has been a great upsurge of demand in the construction industry, and output in the first quarter of 1973 is about 5 per cent. higher than the 1972 average. There are areas of difficulty, some of which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned, but in all those cases, with the exception of steel and timber, where difficulties arise because of high world demand manufacturers are arranging for an increase in productive capacity, and the benefit of that will be seen in the autumn.
§ Mrs. Renée ShortWhat research is being carried out in the Department into substitutes for materials which are in short supply and materials which are expensive and add considerably to the cost of houses?
§ Mr. EyreMy Department is in constant touch with the industry on this matter, which is of increasing importance against the background of difficult supply.