§ 14. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Works on what grounds he has authorised increases in the prices of cement.
§ Mr. KeyI assume that the hon. Member is referring to increases in the maximum prices of ordinary and rapid hardening cement which were authorised on the 7th and 13th January. The first, of 1s. per ton, was to cover increased costs of fuel and coastwise freights; the second, of 1s. per ton for delivery of cement in paper bags, was necessitated by an increase in the price of Kraft paper, from which the bags for packing are manufactured.