§ 79. Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister of Public Building and Works, whether the special surcharge of 2s. per ton on cement has now fully reimbursed the cement companies for their extra costs arising from the 1967 Middle East crisis; and if he will now take steps to abolish this impost.
§ Mr. MellishYes. However, since the oil surcharge was imposed in July, 1967, the cost of making cement has increased by an amount which offsets the oil surcharge element now removed. I met the cement makers on 13th November, and they have agreed to hold the present price until the end of 1969.