39. Major DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing in part to the suspension of building operations during the War and in part to the increased demand for patent asbestic tiles for Government Departments, the slate-quarrying industry of Carnarvon and Merioneth has been. seriously affected: and whether, seeing that Welsh slate could be supplied more. cheaply than asbestic tiles, while, in the opinion of competent authorities, it is even more serviceable as a roofing material, he will take any steps to prevent the extinction of this industry?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley)The shortage of timber has made it necessary to use-where possible roofing materials obtain- 375 able in large sheets and of minimum weight. I see no reason, however, to anticipate that the slate-quarrying industry will be permanently injured owing to this necessity.