§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the national shortage of building raw materials, especially plaster, concrete and timber, and its impact on the nation's building programme.
§ Mr. ChannonThe high level of construction activity this year has made great demands on building materials and components and there have been increased delivery periods for certain materials. There is now some easing of the supply position and continued improvement is expected. Production of plaster and plasterboard is being increased and should be in balance with demand by the autumn. There is no shortage of cement but delivery periods of concrete blocks have lengthened. Almost all building timber is imported and worldwide demand earlier this year affected both prices and deliveries but supplies are now much better. There is no real shortage of bricks.
I do not expect the building programme to be seriously affected by materials shortage but I shall continue to keep in close touch with the situation.