asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that there is a shortage of cement in the London area; that building operations are being hampered on that account; and when he expects the position to improve.

There is a shortage of cement in London due to low stocks following the very high demand during the mild winter. Nevertheless deliveries of cement to the London area in March averaged over 1,000 tons a week more than in March, 1949. The position should steadily improve.