§ 29. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the greater climatic and aesthetic suitability of roofing tiles compared with corrugated iron sheets, to what extent the manufacture of the former is being encouraged in West Africa.
Mr. Creech JonesIn the Gold Coast every encouragement is being given to Africans to set up small tile factories to increase local production, and a proposal for a larger factory is under examination. I am inquiring the position in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that the use of local material in building and the substitution of locally made tiles for corrugated iron sheets is very desirable, whenever it is practicable.
§ Mr. SorensenIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is possible to substitute roofing tiles in almost every case where corrugated iron roofs are now used? Could not special steps be taken to encourage this indigenous industry?
§ Mr. W. FletcherWould not this substitution be likely to lead to a dangerous increase in the number of loose tiles in that area?