asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied with the progress of his Department's building scheme; how many such buildings were completed in 1949, 1950 and 1951; and what stocks of fabricated steel were held by his Department at the latest convenient date.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the scheme for the manufacture and distribution of standard components for farm buildings which was in operation from May, 1948, to June, 1950. During this period, enough standard components were sold to construct the equivalent of 6,500 buildings each 60 ft. by 18 ft. The scheme enabled many farmers to obtain urgently needed buildings and has served a useful purpose.

The manufacture and distribution of the components was entirely in the hands of private firms, and at no time did the Department hold any stocks of fabricated steel for this purpose.

Will my hon. Friend tell me if this scheme is now completely stopped, or whether his Ministry has some scheme which is similar to it which is now working?

When steel control was reimposed last February, the manufacture of M.A.F. building components could not continue unless an authorisation of steel was made for the purpose and, as there has been a continuing demand for these components, allocations of steel have, in fact, been made for them.