asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that work on the erection of permanent houses for the Mirfield Urban District Council has been seriously retarded by the shortage of cement; that, in consequence, bricklayers have been dismissed; that the situation was fully explained to a representative of his Department on the site nearly three weeks ago; what is the reason for the delay in delivery; and when adequate supplies will be made available.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is an overall shortage of cement throughout the country, or whether the shortage in some particular areas is due to bad distribution?

There was recently an overall shortage of cement, as hon. Members know. It was due largely to the fact that, owing to the severe winter and the fuel shortage, there was a falling off in production. Now, however, the production of cement has reached a very high level indeed, far exceeding what we produced during the war, but the pipeline was empty and some parts of the country suffered more than others. However, I am hoping that the whole situation will be remedied very shortly.