55. Mr. GIDEON MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Scottish slag cement is procurable at a price of about £2 per ton less than English cement; whether he is aware that this Scottish slag cement is quite suitable for use in the construction of the foundations of houses being built in Scotland; and whether he will arrange with the Director of Supplies that this cement be placed at the disposal of Scottish local authorities, some of which have based their estimates upon the lower cost of the Scottish cement?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. J. Hope)I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first two parts of the question is yes, Sir. With regard to the third part of the question, the only two slag cement firms in Scotland were both approached without result in October last for the supply of materials for the Government Housing Schemes. One of the firms were unable to accept orders, owing to their entire output being booked for months ahead, and the other firm were suffering from the effects of a collapse of their kilns. Negotiations have now been resumed with these firms and it is hoped that a definite proportion of the output of slag cement will be secured for housing in Scotland.