§ Captain R. TERRELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the short supply of cement in this country is hampering building operations in the home counties; whether he is aware that quantities are being sent abroad, presumably at a higher price; 1153W and whether the Government will take steps to secure that an adequate amount of cement is available for home needs before overseas demands arc supplied?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to answer this question. There are considerable stocks of cement in manufacturers' works, but delivery of orders is being seriously delayed by lack of railway transport facilities. I am advised that it is this lack of transport, and not the export trade, which is prejudicially affecting building operations in certain parts of the country.