§ 35. Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the urgent need for Scottish light industries and new housing materials, whether he will set up an experimental research station in Scotland for studying processing and utilisation of Scottish raw materials, such as seaweed, peat, clays, shales, dolomite, felspar and diatomite, and the use of hydro-electricity in connection with raw material development.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)As was explained by the Lord President of the Council in a recent Debate, the Government are fully aware of the importance of industrial research and so far as the development of Scottish natural resources is concerned, the Scottish Council on Industry are in close touch with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and other research and commercial establishments. The Council are also in consultation with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and have appointed a special Committee to investigate to what extent capacity exists or can be developed in Scotland to produce the materials and fittings required for the post-war building programme in Scotland. In addition, the Council have recently appointed a panel of experts to advise them on scientific and technical questions generally.
§ Mr. LeslieIs the Minister aware that great developments concerning the things 1195 mentioned in this Question are taking place in Russia, Sweden and Eire, and will the Committee consider reports from these countries?
§ Mr. WestwoodI have not the slightest doubt that the Committee will take into consideration all relevant factors, including any information they can get from any authority whatever.