86. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Minister of Transport what were the respective amounts of imported American bitumen and of British tar used on the repair of roads in this country in the years 1924 and 1928, respectively, towards the upkeep of which grants are made from the Road Fund; and if he will consider as to making it a condtion of such grants that a suitable proportion of British materials shall be used?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONInformation is not available which will enable me to reply to the first part of the question. I am doing all that is possible to encourage the use of British materials; but the question of the most suitable material for the particular work proposed is primarily a matter for decision by the authorities concerned. In my opinion, it would not be wise to hamper unduly the discretion of local authorities in this respect.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Member bring to the notice of the local authorities the fact that the tar producing industries utilise an enormous amount of British coal for the manufacture of their product, and, having regard to the trouble in the mining districts at the present, time, will he do all that is possible for the utilisation of tar products, in order to lessen unemployment in the mining; districts?
§ Mr. MORRISONThose are factors which, among others, will be kept in mind.
Commander WILLIAMSWill the hon. Member consider giving an increased percentage grant when British material only is used?
§ Mr. MORRISONNo, Sir. The existing arrangements with regard to preference for British materials are, in my judgment, adequate to meet the situation.