1st Quarter 2000 - Materials Supply Reinforcing the suggestion that the increase in activity between the fourth and first quarters was only modest, the survey has not found any signs of increased difficulty in obtaining supplies of materials. Indeed, only 24 respondents, just under 7% of the total of respondents, report delays in excess of two weeks. This is a smaller number, and a much smaller proportion, than in the fourth quarter 1999 survey, when 11% said they had to wait more than a fortnight for certain supplies. Of the 24, spread relatively evenly across the country, five firms indicate that they have had to wait more than two months. As was the case consistently through 1999, such problems as are identified involve mostly joinery products, particularly those that are purpose-made. Otherwise, only sanitaryware was mentioned by more than one respondent. Further Information For further information, please contact: Federation of Master Builders Gordon Fisher House 14-15 Great James Street Holborn London WC1N 3DP Tel: 020 7242 7583 Fax: 020 7404 0296 First posted: 25 May 2000. Last modified: 25 May 2000.