103. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Works if his attention has been called to the acute shortage of cement in East Kent; that, as a result, building operations are likely to be brought to a standstill; what steps are being taken to alleviate the situation and what degree of priority is being given to house building in the allocation of existing supplies.
§ Mr. KeyI am not aware of specific representations with regard to East Kent, but there is at present a widespread shortage of cement resulting from the recent shortage of fuel. The rate of production is now increasing and the supply will soon, I hope, be reasonably adequate The industry have been asked to maintain supplies for housing work so far as that can be done without prejudice to works connected with the production and distribution of fuel and power.