§ 76. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider an alteration in the present method of allocating grants from the Road Fund for the maintenance of roads, so that those local authorities who use the largest proportion of British road-stone shall receive larger grants than those who use a large proportion of foreign materials?
§ Mr. PENNY (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. While fully sharing my hon. Friend's desire for the widest possible use of British materials, my right hon. Friend does not consider the suggested method of encouragement practicable. Circulars urging the use of British materials wherever reasonably practicable were issued by the Government to all local authorities, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the latest such circular.
§ Mr. EVERARDWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister to look into the question of the imports of foreign road materials, and the number of people in the industry in this country who are on part-time?
§ Mr. WALLHEADWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the more these commodities are protected, the higher the price will go?