HC Deb 27 October 1953 vol 518 cc2603-4
27. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take in the light of the Report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research about the stone-building industry.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

This survey was carried out at the request of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) and my right hon. Friend expects to receive shortly the comments and recommendations of the Council. He will, of course, discuss them with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works. Meantime, the summary of the Report published by the Stationery Office has no doubt been closely studied by quarrymasters, architects and builders.

Mr. Maitland

While thanking my hon. Friend for that information, might I ask him whether it is his intention to make sure that, when public works are constructed in Scotland, Scottish stone will receive preference? Will he bear in mind the case of the Rolls-Royce factory at East Kilbride, which is built of Portland stone?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir, the case for building with stone is very prominently in our minds.