§ 24. Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further action he is taking to improve the supply of building materials in North Worcestershire.
§ Mr. EyreWe are maintaining close touch with manufacturers and their associations in order to ensure that all possible steps are taken to overcome present difficulties in the overall supply of certain building materials. A gradual improvement in the supply position of the main building materials is expected and I am not aware of any problems peculiar to North Worcestershire.
§ Mr. DavisHas the hon. Gentleman forgotten that in July he said that manufacturers were arranging for an increase in productive capacity and that the benefit would be seen in the autumn? Is he aware that there is an acute shortage, for example, of plasterboard? One builder in the West Midlands has 300 homes awaiting completion and cannot complete them because he is waiting for plasterboard. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the high world demand has no effect on plasterboard? Has he talked to British Gypsum, which has a virtual monopoly?
§ Mr. EyreAs I explained, there were difficulties in catering for demand over the holiday period, but they are easing as we move into the autumn. With regard to the hon. Gentleman's special point on gypsum plaster and plasterboard, I am glad to say that British Gypsum has recently brought into operation a new plant for the production of these materials, and this should shortly lead to a considerable improvement in the supply position.