§ Sir J. LEIGHasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has already taken or proposes to take to control or limit the operations of the trade rings in the building material trades, the effect of which is to maintain the cost of building materials, now most urgently required for the erection of houses, at approximately 150 per cent, above 1914 prices, although the labour costs in a house for the working classes are only 100 per cent, over those of 1914.
§ Viscount WOLMERThe situation is being carefully watched by the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Health. I should be glad if the hon. Member would furnish me with the information on which he bases his estimate that this increased cost is as much as 150 per cent.