HC Deb 27 March 1946 vol 421 c33W
101. Mr. Tiffany

asked the Minister of Works what action is being taken to meet the prospective short supply of cement, asbestos cement, plaster and plaster board, timber and bricks that will become apparent as the housing programme gathers momentum.

Mr. Tomlinson:

Every effort is being made, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, to increase the available labour supply in the building materials industries. Prisoners-of-war are available in considerable numbers and are being put to work wherever they can be usefully employed. In certain industries, for example, plaster board, production is limited by the extent of available capacity and in such cases further plants and factories have been planned and are being erected as rapidly as possible.