§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the reason for the shortage of cement in the North-East of Scotland; where supplies are now coming from; whether imports have been stopped; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. C. PannellI have been asked to reply.
Of the cement used in Scotland, some is produced locally and some is brought in from England or imported from abroad. Supplies in Scotland are affected by the position over Great Britain as a whole, and although total deliveries are 5 per cent. higher than they were a year ago a marginal gap has appeared between demand and supply. Supplies from increased home capacity and from temporary imports are however rising, and the gap should be steadily narrowed.