§ 27. Commander Galbraithasked the Minister of Health the authorised increase in the cost of building materials since the original ceiling price of £1,200 for privately-built houses was fixed and what percentage increase this represents.
§ Mr. BevanDifferent rates of increase have been authorised for different materials at different times, and no exact figure can be obtained which will reflect the variable factors involved. I am advised, however, that increases authorised since June, 1945, in the cost of materials used in a typical house may be estimated as approximately 8.5 per cent., which represents approximately 4.5 per cent. of the building cost.