§ 17. Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the results obtained from the sending out of Circular No. 314 2067 (Roads) in February, 1930; and whether any similar communications have been sent to local authorities by his Department since this date?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI have no reason to thank that highway authorities have not had full regard to Circular No. 314 (Roads), dated 20th February, 1930, dealing with the use of British materials, and no further circular on the subject has been considered necessary. Communications on particular points have been addressed to various local authorities from time to time as they have arisen.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the Minister really satisfied with the results of the circular?
§ Mr. MORRISONI have stated that I have no reason to be dissatisfied with the results of the circular, and I believe the local authorities are acting up to the advice that has been given them.
§ 19. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Minister of Transport whether, as there are ample supplies of road stone available in this country, he will consider the desirability of asking Parliament for powers to prohibit the purchase of foreign road stone by local authorities?
§ Mr. MORRISONI understand that the purchase of foreign road stone is practically confined to those parts of the country where by reason of freightage charges its use is economically justified. I am not prepared to advise Parliament to prevent local authorities from exercising any discretion in the matter.
§ Mr. SMITHIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that an abundant supply of this material is available in this country, and that there is no necessity for importations from abroad?
§ Mr. MORRISONNo, Sir, I am not prepared to give an unqualified answer on that point. Certain difficulties have arisen, but as far as we are concerned we have given the necessary advice to the local authorities. I do not feel that we ought to go to the length of entirely removing discretion from the local authorities.
§ Mr. WESTIs my right hon. Friend aware that the great bulk of this stone is not brought in by the local authorities but by private companies?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider reducing the grant so that local authorities may be induced to use British stone?
§ Mr. MORRISONNo, Sir. If it is a question of unemployment, the requirement of the Ministry is pretty stringent. For ordinary road works we do not feel that we should go to the length of imposing Whitehall control upon local government to that extent.