§ Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Minister of Works (1) what action he is taking to increase the supply of plasterboard and the allocation made for use in housing;
(2) how much plasterboard is used in the normal three-bedroom house; and how many houses can be provided for from the present allocation.
§ Mr. TomlinsonTwo new plasterboard factories are now being erected, and extensions and alterations are being made to existing plant. By the middle of next year it is expected that production will have increased by nearly 50 per cent, above its present level. Special allocations of plasterboard are made for temporary houses and permanent prefabricated houses and for war damage repairs. Most of the balance is available for the ceilings of traditional houses for which supplies of hardboard, insulation board and lime plaster are also available. About 100 square yards of plasterboard are needed for the ceiling of a normal three bedroom house.