61. Major MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that unemployment prevails in Dumfries to a considerable extent; whether he will take measures to alleviate the same; and, in particular, whether he will encourage local authorities to use stone for building purposes so that work for stonemasons and their labourers and for quarrymen may be more plentifully provided?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, the Ministry of Labour are aware of the position, and are taking such action as they can to alleviate the situation. As regards the last part of the question, where the cost of building in stone is reasonable in comparison with the cost of brick construction, it is the policy of the Scottish Board of Health to give to local authorities a free choice as to which they will use.
Major MURRAYWill my right hon. Friend hasten the investigations which he is having made into the simplification of the use of stone for building?