§ Mr. Leslieasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he is aware of the rapidly increased prices charged for tiles, slates and bricks adding considerably to the cost of repair work to houses; and what action does he intend taking to prevent excessive profiteering which may hold up much needed housing schemes.
§ Mr. HicksMy Noble Friend has recently approved increases in the producers' prices of slates and bricks, which had become necessary owing to increases in production costs. The question of the prices of roofing tiles, production of which has not hitherto been sufficient in volume to justify price control, is now under consideration. An inquiry into the profits earned by the distributors of the commodities mentioned is in hand.
§ Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Minister of Health if the building materials which will be available after the war will be at the disposal of the small and medium-sized builders on equal conditions with local authorities, in both cases required for house building.
§ Mr. WillinkThe answer is "Yes, Sir," as regards approved schemes.