HC Deb 22 May 1950 vol 475 cc206-7W
83. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the dislocation in building construction on council house sites in Kidderminster and Bewdley and the difficulties in farm maintenance work in the Martley, Kidderminster and Tenbury Wells rural areas of western Worcestershire arising from long delays in delivery of cement; and whether he will investigate the supply and distribution position in this area.

Mr. Stokes

I am aware of only one site in this area needing cement, and I understand that the necessary supply has been delivered. Such inquiries as it has been possible to make have revealed no further difficulty.

88. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Works if he has completed his investigation into the causes of the delays and irregularities in the delivery of cement in the rural districts of Essex and elsewhere; if, in particular, he is aware of the difficulties experienced by members of the Maldon and District Association of Building Trades Employers; and what steps he is taking to improve the situation.

Mr. Stokes

Delays in delivery have been due in the main to lack of stocks following an exceptionally high rate of usage during a mild winter. Increased supplies are now reaching East Anglia and I am not aware of any essential work being held up for lack of cement.

90. Mr. Powell

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that continued irregularity in deliveries of cement is delaying the progress of housing contracts let by the Wolverhampton Corporation; and if he will instruct his regional office to take further steps to ensure more regular deliveries.

Mr. Stokes

I understand that there has been some interruption in the laying of rafts and in road construction on abnormal sites, where the use of cement is exceptionally high, but that otherwise work on all housing sites is going ahead. Deliveries of cement to Wolverhampton have been increasing and are higher than last year.

93. Mr. Marples

asked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to alleviate the shortage of cement in Birkenhead and Wallasey.

Mr. Stokes

I am not aware of any special complaints about shortage of cement in Birkenhead and Wallasey. In any case the deliveries of cement to this part of the country are now increasing.

96. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the shortage of cement in North Staffordshire is retarding the building of houses; and what steps he will take to deal with the problem.

Mr. Stokes

No, I have not had reports of any housing work being delayed in this area for lack of cement.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Works how many tons of cement is represented by two per cent. of the total supplies to London; and what is the amount of cement used in the building of a £1,300 house.

Mr. Stokes

Two per cent. of the total supplies to London is approximately 500 tons per week. The amount of cement needed for a £1,300 house varies according to the site and type of construction, but for a normal brick built

HOTELS IN CENTRAL LONDON WITH 50 OR MORE BEDROOMS REQUISITIONED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Department Hotel Present Use
Ministry of Works … Balmoral, 35/39, Queens Gate Gardens, S.W.7 Hostel.
Ministry of Works … Victoria, Northumberland Avenue, W.C.2 Offices.
Ministry of Works … Upper Floors, Red Court, 17/20, Bedford Place, W.C.1 Hostel.
Ministry of Food … Ground Floor and Basement, Red Court, 17/20, Bedford Place, W.C.1. Civic Restaurant.
Ministry of Health … Royal Palace and Empress Rooms, Kensington High Street, W.8. Converted into flats.
Ministry of Health … Belvedere, 5, 6, 7, Granville Gate, 10, Empress. Gate, Kensington. Hostel.
Ministry of Health … Queen's Gate, 96, 97, 98, Queen's Gate, Kensington Hostel.
Ministry of Health … Norland, 77/85, Gloucester Place, St. Marylebone Hostel.
Ministry of Health … Grafton, Tottenham Court Road, W.1 Nurses' Home.
Ministry of Health … York, Berners Street, W.1 Nurses' Home.

BLOCKS OF 20 OR MORE FLATS IN CENTRAL LONDON REQUISITIONED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Department Address Present Use
Ministry of Works … Oakwood Court, Holland Park … … … Hostel.
Ministry of Works … 11/11a, Portland Place … … … Nurses' Home.
Ministry of Works … 43, Portman Square (Portman Court) … … … Offices.
Air Ministry … Viceroy Court … … … Hostel.
Air Ministry … Princes Gate Court … … … Offices.
Air Ministry … Hallam Street … … … Offices.