§ 33. Mr. J. J. Robertsonasked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to ensure that building projects in Berwickshire will, in future, not be held up by a shortage of cement.
§ Mr. StokesThe shortage appears to have been aggravated by difficulties of distribution, which I have brought to the notice of the manufacturers. I understand that they have decided that they will in future despatch cement direct to Berwick.
§ 41. Lieut.-Colonel Corbettasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the acute shortage of cement in South Shropshire; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. StokesI have not heard of any cases in this area where necessary work is actually held up for lack of cement, but I am aware that supplies are not sufficient to meet all demands. I have discussed with the cement industry various measures for increasing overall supplies, and considerable improvement has already been achieved.