asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of sheet glass which is prompting the importation at high prices of sheet glass from Belgium; if he is satisfied with the production of the sheet glass manufacturing industry; and, in view of the monopolistic character if this industry, if he will refer it to the Monopolies Commission.

I am not aware of any serious shortage of sheet glass. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will bear in mind the suggestion in the last part of the Question when he considers further references to the Monopolies Commission.

Does the Minister appreciate that in Wales, which has other building difficulties, as he has been hearing this afternoon, there is a serious shortage of sheet glass which is holding up industry and which is a matter of serious concern to glass merchants there? Will he note that in my Constituency of Pontypool there is plenty of opportunity for expansion by the private family concern which monopolises glass manufacture in this country? It is high time that some stimulus was given to ensure that Britain's future needs of glass are under some supervision.

Any matters arising out of the monopolistic position of Messrs. Pilkington are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. There have been imports of Belgian glass for many years. The present rate of imports is not exceptional. Imports of sheet glass are much less than exports from this country. I think that the price of sheet glass has risen much faster than the average of building materials over the last ten years, but at present the price is stable.