asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action he proposes to take in regard to the doubling of the price of timber as it is reported that this will mean an increase of £200 in the cost of building a house; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Timber Prices.
27.
I understand that import prices for timber for house-building have increased by 40 per cent to 50 per cent in the present year. I also understand that timber importers' prices have not increased out of proportion to the increased import cost. Importers of timber are not required to notify me of increases in their prices to compensate for increased landed costs, but, under an order recently made by me, they may not increase their profit margins, in cash terms, above the actual cash margins obtained on 23rd June, 1973.