Cement

HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 cc66-8W

103. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Works what quantity of cement has been imported from other countries this year; to what regions of his Department the cement has been sent for distribution; and if any has been sent to Merseyside.

Mr. Stokes

Import figures have only been published in the Trade Accounts up to the end of April but, according to reliable information which I have been able to obtain, 14,733 tons of cement have been received up to the end of June. The whole of this went to Scotland. In consequence, however, cement produced in this country, which would otherwise have been shipped to Scotland, has been available for redistribution in a number of areas, including Merseyside.

105. Mr. Pickthorn

asked the Minister of Works why the cement shortage has been getting so much worse in Nottinghamshire recently; and what is being done about it.

Mr. Stokes

Deliveries of cement in the Nottingham region have been somewhat higher than last year, and have been well maintained in recent weeks. Demand has, however, continued to rise, and I know that difficulties are occurring. The total amount of cement available for distribution has now been increased, and I hope Nottinghamshire will benefit from the general improvement.

108. Lieut. - Commander Hutchison

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that there is now a serious shortage of cement in the Edinburgh area which is slowing down the building of houses for the corporation and is threatening the steady employment of building operatives; and what steps he intends to take to deal with this situation.

113. Mr. W. Ross

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of cement in Scotland; and what action he is taking to increase the supply.

119. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Works whether he will take steps to prevent the recurrent and serious shortages of cement in Orkney and Shetland.

Mr. Stokes

Deliveries of cement in Scotland during the past 10 weeks have averaged 17,300 tons a week compared with 16,100 tons during the corresponding period last year, and I am not aware of any unfairness in its distribution. Imports of Continental cement will now make it possible to increase the Scottish supplies still further, and I have arranged for a total weekly supply to Scotland of 18,000 tons to be delivered as from last week.

114. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the construction and repair of houses in west Middlesex is being delayed by the shortage of cement; and what action he is taking.

Mr. Stokes

I am not aware that west Middlesex is receiving less than its due share of cement. The supply of cement is increasing and this area should share in the general improvement. No case of stoppage due to shortage of cement has been reported to me.

Mr. W. Bennett

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the serious position of house building in Glasgow caused through the shortage of cement; and when the supply is likely to be adequate for the building programme.

Mr. Stokes

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to the hon. and gallant Member for Edinburgh, West (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison), and the bon. Members for Kilmarnock (Mr. W. Ross) and Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond).

Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works what amounts of cement, in weight and value, have been exported in 1950, up to the latest available date, distinguishing between exports to dollar markets and exports to non-dollar markets.

Mr. Stokes

Up to the end of April 10,522 tons of cement, valued at £54,781 were exported to dollar markets and 608,749 tons, worth £2,727,141 to non-dollar markets.

Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the continued shortage of cement is still causing difficulty in many parts of the country; if he will make a statement as to anticipated deliveries from home manufacturers during the remainder of 1950; and what amounts it is contemplated will be imported during the same period.

Mr. Stokes

I am aware of the difficulties to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. In the absence of any unexpected setback, something like 4,350,000 tons of British cement should be delivered in the home market during the remainder of the year. I explained the import prospects in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Liverpool, Toxteth (Major Bevins) in a written reply on 13th June.