§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Minister of Health whether, during the latter part of 1920, the supply of rain-water spouting, ranges, and other ironwork necessary for the equipment of dwellings was insufficient, and, as a result, houses almost ready for use were kept standing empty, entailing loss to local authorities and the Treasury; whether this was due in large measure to the action of the Light Castings Association; whether the present supply of light castings is deemed sufficient for the housing work in progress; and, if not, what steps will be taken to increase the quantity of light castings so that house building will be expedited?
§ Sir A. MONDThere has been, and still is, a shortage of rain-water and soil goods, and baths, available for housing schemes. The output of light castings has been investigated by a committee appointed under the Profiteering Act, and that committee has recently issued a report, which deals, amongst other things, with the operations of the National Light Castings Association. Efforts have been made to encourage other makers to undertake the production of the materials of which there has been a shortage, and of substitutes for these materials, and there are indications that output is now improving.