Bermudians, who are desperate for materials to repair hurricane-damaged roofs, should expect a shipment of slate by next week, The Royal Gazette was told.

Building and hardware supplier SAL Ltd. ran out of stock of DuraSlate quickly and contract sales manager Brian Hollis said

that the company's stock of more than 30,000 tiles were completely snapped up by customers on Monday morning.

"We did an emergency job at Pompano and Cambridge Beaches over the weekend because there are still tourists there but we were able to satisfy all of the customers who came (Monday) morning and we have a large shipment of slate coming in next week."

Mr. Hollis said that the company will be able to meet demand for the Department of Planning approved DuraSlate once it arrives next Wednesday, but said the eaves slates - which can only be manufactured in small quantities in Bermuda - and lime were both in shorter supply.

"Most contractors will have their own sources of lime on construction sites and will most likely be able to provide it for customers if necessary," he said.

"All the contractors that came down to SAL Ltd. worked well together and everyone was happy, we had no arguments and it all went smoothly.

"There will be no change in the price for slate and there will be no preferential treatment even though we will have to get some to the Government just to get schools re-opened."

Rumours have been circulating the Island in recent days of inflated prices, particularly for slate, something Premier Alex Scott does not believe should be allowed to happen.

"Businessmen do what businessmen do," he said last night.

"They take advantage of an opportunity and consumers can do what they do and dig their heels in.

"Slate will be here in a few days. Don't let anyone take advantage. I can't see any Bermudian in the climate we are currently in take advantage of his fellow Bermudian."