HC Deb 04 February 1930 vol 234 cc1659-60
10. Mr. McKINLAY

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, seeing that he issued on 23rd December to the local authorities in Scotland an appeal to them to use, so far as possible, goods and materials of home production, and that, despite this appeal, the corporation of Glasgow is ordering large quantities of slates from the Irish Free State, he will state what further steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter; and whether he is aware that Scottish slates are the same price and of greater resistance to atmospheric changes?

Mr. JOHNSTON

I am causing a further communication to be addressed to the corporation of Glasgow urging them to consider as to utilising to the largest extent available Scottish slates on their housing schemes, subject to prices being reasonable. I have seen an announcement by the Killaloe Slate Quarry Company, Limited, of Nenagh, in the Irish Free State, that it has received orders for 5,000 tons of slates to be delivered in Glasgow this year. As regards the latter part of the question, I am informed that recent tenders received in Glasgow show practically the same price for slater work carried out with Scottish slates and with slates from the Irish Free State. I am advised that the former slate generally is a better weathering slate than the latter.

Mr. McKlNLAY

Is my hon. Friend aware that the agent for the Irish Free State slates is a member of the Glasgow City Council, and what steps is he prepared to take to prevent councillors in future being directly or indirectly concerned in these contracts?

Mr. JOHNSTON

In view of the serious implications which may arise from ques- tions and answers on this matter, I suggest that it should not be pursued by way of supplementary questions and answers.

Colonel ASHLEY

Are Scottish slates available?

Mr. JOHNSTON

Yes, certainly.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Was the hon. Gentleman only expressing his opinion when he said that Scottish slates are better than Irish slates, and has he experience of the weather-resisting properties of good Irish slates?

Mr. VAUGHAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Welsh slates are better than both Irish and Scottish slates?