HC Deb 07 December 1932 vol 272 c1604
28. Sir FRANK SANDERSON

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that many local authorities are using slag and stone purchased from foreign firms for the purpose of road making and road repairing; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to see that in future only material produced in this country shall be used for road construction with a view to giving employment to our own workers?

Mr. PYBUS

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 16th November, 1932, to the hon. Member for Newport (Mon.), (Mr. Clarry), and of which I am sending him a copy.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND- TROYTE

Will the Minister consider making it a condition of grant that authorities shall use English stone only.

Mr. PYBUS

I have previously said that we cannot do it in that form, but, with regard to one item, namely, slag, we have succeeded to a remarkable extent, for the imports for September and October, 1931, were 51,670 tons, and for September and October of this year they were only 12,721 tons—a reduction of 39,000 tons.

Lord APSLEY

Is the Minister circularising county authorities, chiefly in the West of England, as to the advantage and economy of using slag rather than somewhat indifferent stone?