Licences are issued by my Department for timber, steel and cast iron, in quantities calculated according to the number of houses which the particular authority is expected to be able to complete in 1947, and to the stage of progress which these houses have already reached. Other materials are acquired by contractors on priority certificates issued by the local authorities themselves. The materials in particularly short supply are timber, steel and cast iron, lead, certain types of electrical components, salt glazed pipes, and slates. I would refer the hon. Member to the detailed explanation of the supply position given in paragraphs 12 to 15 of the recent white paper.