Four part series which investigates the UK building industry `s ability to cope with the current boom. Part 1 considers manpower shortages and the salaries professionals and craftsmen are now able to command. Part 2 consists of interviews with six foreigners living and working in the UK and involved in the building industry. Part 3 deals with foreign materials , showing how other countries are able to cash in on Britain`s building materials shortages. Assesses overseas penetration in the markets for timber , curtain walling and cladding , cement , steel , bricks , glass and stone . Part 4 considers latent defects , noting the problems which resulted from the building boom in the 1960s and early 1970s. Discusses the effect of manpower and materials shortages on construction standards highlighting problem areas such as curtain walling, fire, lifts, floors, roofs and walls, listing associated defects.