§ 86. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a certain urban district council purchased 400 tons of Belgian granite chippings for use on their roads at a higher price than the quotation for British material; and whether in future he will give larger percentage grants from the Road Fund to those local authorities who use only British materials for the upkeep of their roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI regret that the particulars given are too meagre to enable me to identify the particular purchase. It is my wish to encourage the use of British materials, but the course suggested by my hon. Friend is not, in my judgment, practicable. I would also point out that only a portion of the work executed by highway authorities is eligible for grants from the Road Fund.
§ Mr. EVERARDIn cases where it can be definitely shown that British duties are lower than foreign, surely the right hon. Gentleman can bring some pressure to bear on local authorities.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the hon. Member will give me particulars I will investigate the cases.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that there are in the Highlands, and especially in Argyllshire, quarries from which illimitable seaborne supplies, the cheapest of all, can be got, and will the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions that no grant shall be given unless homegrown material is used?