§ 93. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Works the general position about present stocks and production of bricks, timber, cement, steel and other building materials; and what are the prospects for the remainder of the current year.
§ Mr. EcclesProduction of bricks increased by 13 per cent. and of cement by 10 per cent. in the first quarter of 1952, compared with the same period last year. Stocks are generally adequate. Local shortages in Scotland and the North of England have been due to heavy defence demands in those areas, and to difficulties of transport.
The supply of timber and steel is not a matter for my Ministry, but I am satisfied that having regard to existing difficulties building gets a fair share.
Apart from items made from steel and other metals in short supply, I do not anticipate difficulty in other building materials.