§ Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Health whether the tenders for houses and public works which come before the Ministry show considerable increases; if so, whether this is due to the rising cost of steel and other materials; and whether he proposes to take any action in the interests of local authorities?
§ Sir K. WoodThere has been some increase in recent tenders for houses and public works, averaging from 5 to 10 per cent. This rise is mainly due to increases in the cost of certain materials including steel and in rates of wages. I need hardly add that the situation is being kept under review in all its aspects.