§ Mr. Moneyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he is satisfied with current and future availability of supplies of plasterboard for the building industry; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) whether he is satisfied with the current and future supplies of Sirapite and Thistle plasters for the building industry; and whether he will make a statement;
(3) whether he is satisfied with the current and future availability of supplies of Carlite for the building industry; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonI am aware that there are now shortages of these materials. Deliveries were being made promptly up to the end of 1972, but after a mild winter during which building continued with little interruption demand has increased sharply. The manufacturers have increased production at existing plants and are bringing new plant into operation shortly. They are confident that shortage will not continue beyond the autumn if demand stays at the present level. In the meantime they are importing some plasterboard and are rationing supplies of plaster to merchants at a level 10 per cent. higher than that ordered during the quarter ending 31st January 1973.