HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 cc1946-7
53. Mr. Cooper

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans are being made for the provision of the necessary building materials for each of the Colonies which will receive funds for Colonial development, involving the commissioning of additional buildings; whether local sources of building material supply and production, and co-operative contracting organisations, will be developed in each of the Colonies so far as possible, or is it intended that the majority of the building materials shall be supplied and building contracts obtained from this country.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Every effort is being made to develop the production of local building materials in the Colonies. But it will, of course, not be possible to dispense entirely with imports and special study is now being given to the best means of ensuring for the Colonies their essential requirements of scarce materials such as iron and steel. Government building in the Colonies is normally undertaken by the Public Works Department or by one or more local contractors, but for major projects it may be necessary to employ one of the leading firms of civil engineering contractors from this country.

Mr. Cooper

Would my hon. Friend take active steps to encourage the development of local firms and co-operative organisations to produce the necessary building materials and to take on building contracts as an essential part of the new Colonial development schemes?

Mr. Rees-Williams

Yes, we will look at that suggestion.