HC Deb 04 May 1920 vol 128 cc1925-6W
Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the increase in the price of Fletton bricks to-day compared to the price in 1914; what is the percentage increase in the price, the profit, the wages paid in the industry, and in the raw material in the same period; and what are the same comparative figures for Portland cement, tiles, and floor boarding?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Particulars of the increase in the price of the various building materials referred to in the question are given in the White Paper entitled "Changes in Prices of the Principal Building Materials" (London), a copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend. I am unable at present to supply him with particulars of the percentage increase in the profits, the wages paid in the industry and in the raw material during the period July, 1914, to February, 1920. These matters are, however, under investigation by a Joint Sub-Committee appointed by the Investigation of Prices Standing Committee and the Standing Committee on Trusts.