§ 114. Mr. Houseasked the Minister of Works if he will give estimates of anticipated production for each of the months of August, September and October of bricks, cement, salt glazed pipes and conduits, roofing slates and tiles, plaster and 154W plasterboard; and by when does he anticipate the present serious shortage in building materials will be made good.
§ Mr. DurbinThe figures of production for the latest period available are:
Item Period. Production. Bricks June, 1947 400 millions Salt Glazed Pipes and Conduits. June, 1947 42,000 tons Roof Slates May, 1947 26,000 squares Clay and Concrete Roof Tiles June, 1947 (Prov.). 122,000 squares Plaster June, 1947 15,800 tons Plasterboard 4 weeks ended 26th July,1947. 3,048,000 sq. yards Cement 4 weeks ended 28th July, 1947 627,000 tons The continuance of production at this level is in all cases dependent on the availability of coal and, in the clay and slate industries, upon the availability of labour. These remain the chief limiting factors.