§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he is aware of the continuing shortage of building materials, particularly cement in Scotland; what is the cause of this shortage; what will be the effect on building and construction work; and what action he is now taking to improve supplies.
§ Mr. BoydenMy right hon. Friend is aware that there has been a lengthening of delivery periods for some materials, particularly cement, in Scotland as in England. Demand for these materials has risen rapidly since 1963, and production has not always kept fully in step with demand because of the time needed to build new works.
The Department is in touch with the manufacturers concerned. The cement manufacturers are increasing supplies both from United Kingdom sources and by importing and this should ease the position in Scotland. The suppliers are doing all they can to maintain deliveries to sustain progress on sites and will be assisted in this if consumers avoid over-ordering.