50. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the high average cost of the mass produced farm building components sponsored by his Department in proportion to traditional building; and how the price asked is made up.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe cost of buildings erected with M.A.F. components compares not unfavourably with the cost of similar buildings of traditional construction. Moreover immediate availability of the components often makes their use profitable. The price of M.A.F. Steel components is made up as follows: materials and manufacture, 83⅓ per cent.; distribution (including transport to the farm), 16⅔ per cent. Manufacturing costs would be lower if new steel were used; but the scheme was designedinter alia to overcome difficulties arising from serious shortage of steel.