83. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Minister of Works what is the allocation of cement for export and home use respectively in the current period; what is the latest stock figure; what proportion of cement exported goes to hard currency areas; and if he is satisfied that adequate supplies are reserved for the home building programme, including roads on new housing estates.
§ Mr. KeyThere is no fixed allocation of cement, either for export or home use, but the industry plans its programme in consultation with my Department having regard to the essential requirements of the home and overseas markets. Exports are now running at about one-sixth of total production. The stock on 21st June, 1948, was 204,000 tons. Seven-eighths of the total exports go either to hard currency markets or to British customers overseas who would otherwise be compelled to buy for hard currency. The amounts at present being delivered to the home market should be adequate to meet essential requirements for the building programme, but cement should not be used for roads on new housing estates if alternative materials are available.