§ Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Works what action he proposes to take on the Simon Report on the distribution of building materials.
§ Mr. KeyI have discussed the Report with representatives of the manufacturers and of the distributors of building materials. The main recommendations so far as I am concerned are those relating to arrangements limiting competition and to control of distributors' margins. With regard to the former, I am awaiting the passage of the Monopoly (Inquiry and Control) Bill. As regards distributors' margins, the prices to the users of most of the principal building materials are subject to control; I have asked the distributors to consider what reductions can be made and they will report to me in due course.