§ Lieut.-Colonel Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that various permits are required before slates can be used as a roofing material, whilst there is no such permit required in 780W the case of tiles; for what reason this discrimination is made; and whether permits for the use of slates can now be abolished so that this material may enjoy free competition with other roofing materials.
§ Mr. WilsonThe demand for slates, particularly for war damage repair, is greatly in excess of the supply and control of distribution is therefore necessary. Areas are rationed on the basis of essential needs. There is no shortage of tiles and accordingly no control is exercised over their distribution.