HC Deb 27 August 1914 vol 66 cc187-8W
Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any complaints from the master builders regarding the increased price of building materials; whether they have requested him to fix the maximum price that builders' merchants and timber merchants shall charge for timber, etc.; and, if so, whether he will comply with their request?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have received some complaints of increase in price of building materials, and attention is being given to the questions raised by them. I may, however, point out to my hon. Friend that the interruption of trade with the Baltic has very seriously affected the supply of timber to this country, and while that condition of affairs continues it is not possible to avoid an increase in prices of most descriptions of timber.