asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the shortage of cement in the Northern Region; and that, as a consequence, numbers of building trade workers are idle; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this matter.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the great shortage of cement in the Northern Region, as a result of which building schemes are being suspended and workers laid off; what is being done to overcome this breakdown of supply; and if he will take immediate steps to increase supplies.

I am aware that there has been a shortage of cement in the Northern Region, and I have arranged for the cement distributors to despatch extra supplies, which should by now be reaching the region.