§ 39. Captain FAIRFAX>asked the Minister of Health what steps, if any, he is taking to encourage local councils and housing authorities to use British bricks, tiles, and cement in their housing schemes, in view of the increasing import of foreign building materials?
§ Sir K. WOODSection 10 of the Housing Act, 1924, provides that, in approving proposals for the construction of houses, the Minister of Health shall not impose any conditions which would prevent the materials required being purchased in the cheapest market at home or abroad, The Government have, however, urged local authorities to arrange that all contracts for or incidental to works carried out by them should, in the absence of special circumstances, be placed in this country.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLDoes the hon. Gentleman think the greatest benefit to the largest number in this country is obtained by always buying in the cheapest market, irrespective of all other considerations?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. I think my hon. and gallant Friend will be glad to know that the quantity imported during 1925 was under 3 per cent. of the total estimated requirement.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask my hon. Friend whether he does not think some alteration in his reply would be advisable, so that there may be no misunderstanding in the country?
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERWill the hon. Gentleman arrange for supplies of these materials for public housing contracts at the same low prices as those which can be secured in connection with Government contracts?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is another matter.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous quantity of foreign tiles now being imported, especially into Scotland, which has the finest slate quarries in the world and are we not paying the quarrymen unemployment benefit, which is more expensive—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is not the time for the hon. and learned Member to give information.