§ 11. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to meet the cement shortage in Livepool.
§ Mr. KeyMore shipping space has recently become available and has enabled the industry to double its shipments to Liverpool.
§ 23. Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Works what is the current rate of cement production in South Wales; how far this falls short of requirements; and what steps he is taking to increase supplies.
§ Mr. KeyThe average weekly production of cement in South Wales is now 7,500 tons. The production in South Wales itself cannot meet all the requirements of the area; but arrangements have 109W been made for a further increase in production of 1,500 tons a week, and this, taken in conjunction with supplies from elsewhere, will I hope go far to satisfy demands.
§ Mr. W. D. Griffithsasked the Minister of Works if he will give information about the level of cement production in recent weeks.
§ Mr. KeyYes. The weekly production of cement has risen from 144,000 tons at the beginning of June to nearly 163,000 tons for the week ending 28th July. Production in the last fortnight is at a higher annual rate than the average annual rate in 1938, but whether it can continue at this high level depends, of course, on the continued supply of coal to the industry. The detailed figures of recent production are as follow:—
Week ending tons 9th June, 1947 … … 144,054 16th June, 1947 … … 143,383 23rd June, 1947 … … 152,691 30th June, 1947 … … 146,059 7th July, 1947 … … 150,707 14th July, 1947 … … 155,897 21st July, 1947 … … 157,837 28th July, 1947 … … 162,913