82. Mr. TODDasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the retained imports of tiles in the first quarter of 1934 were 293,144 cwts. as compared with 111,046 cwts. in the corresponding period of 1933, an increase of 163.9 per cent.; and whether he will make representations to local authorities and public bodies requesting that British-made tiles should be used in all possible cases?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe figures quoted by my hon. Friend relate to the total imports of tiles in the period mentioned. 157 My right hon. Friend has no reason to suppose that Local Authorities generally are not making use to the utmost extent practicable of goods and materials of home production, in accordance with the advice which he has already given to Local Authorities. I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the relevant circular.