HC Deb 17 June 1931 vol 253 cc1734-5
40. Mr. C. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes taking any action with regard to the utilisation of foreign broken stone, in view of the fact that there is an adequate supply at a comparable price already quarried in this country?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I have already informed the hon. Member that every effort is made to secure the use of British materials, including broken stone, on road works in this country. I understand that the importation of foreign road stone is confined to those parts of the country where by reason of freightage charges its use is economically justifiable.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why foreign stone continues to be used in spite of his efforts?

Mr. MORRISON

I think the hon. Member will find on a comparison of the figures that the amount is relatively small considering the total consumption by local authorities.

Mr. WILLIAMS

But why is the amount really big, according to the figures he has given?

Mr. MORRISON

The figure is very small compared with the total used by local authorities.

Mr. LAWTHER

Could the names of the local authorities which use this stone be published?

Mr. MORRISON

I am not sure whether it would be practicable to publish them, or, if they were published, whether that would help the hon. Member for Torquay (Mr. C. Williams).