HC Deb 12 May 1947 vol 437 cc113-4W
97. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Works how many dumps of building materials there are in the North Western area, the North Midlands area and throughout the country respectively; and why firms are permitted to buy reinforcing rods at five shillings per 25-yard roll, and after a little work on them to sell at £5 18s. a roll.

Mr. Key

My Department has three building material depots in the Manchester area, four in the area Nottingham, York and Newcastle and 10 in the remainder of the country including Scotland. The Ministry of Supply is the Department responsible for the disposal of surplus reinforcing rods.

98. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Works if he will give the quantities and delivery time that is being asked for materials in the dumps in the North Western area, and, in particular, for the U.S. strong wire netting and bars suitable for reinforced concrete, four-inch and six-inch pipes fitted with steel collars; the amount of timber in different grades and its possible uses; steel ladders, electric cables, pumps, water tanks, rolled steel joists, angle iron, galvanised tanks, steel tubes, flat steel bars, expanding metal, reinforcing fabrics; the number of galvanised corrugated iron and asbestos sheets suitable for roofing; and how many small generating sets there are and their horse power.

Mr. Key

I regret that the information requested by my hon. Friend is not readily available. I will communicate with him as soon as possible.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Works if he will give a list of the principal building-trade materials in the dumps of building materials at Woolton, Hale Wood, Ditton, Widnes and Liverpool, showing the quantities and the delivery dates that are being asked by suppliers of the materials to building contractors.

Mr. Key

My Department has no dumps or stores of surplus building materials at any of the places mentioned. I am therefore, unable to give a list of the materials available but building materials are released for disposal if surplus to the requirements of Government Departments.