HC Deb 25 February 1958 vol 583 cc175-7
6. Mr. T. W. Jones

asked the Minister of Works what action he is taking to ensure that roofing slates from North Wales quarries are used in public buildings.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Hugh Molson)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 20th February.

15. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Minister of Works the total number of workers employed in the North Wales slate-quarrying industry, the total output of the industry in the area, and the total value of slate exports from the area in the years 1938, 1948 and 1957, respectively.

Mr. Molson

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

NORTH WALES SLATE QUARRIES—ROOFING AND DAMP PROOF COURSE SLATES
— 1938 1948 1957
Workers employed 8,168(a) 4,611(b) 3,488(c)
Total output (tons) 227,400 109,800 78,900
Exports from U.K. (tons) 3,460(d) 683(e) Very small —not separately shown
Separate export figures for North Wales are not available.
Notes
(a) Compiled from returns in 1937 and 1938
(b) January, 1949.
(c) December, 1957.
(d) Roofing slates only.
(a) Includes slabs.

16. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Minister of Works if he will inquire into the position, prospects and problems of the North Wales slate-quarrying industry with a view to making a comprehensive statement on the future of the industry.

Mr. Molson

The condition of the slate industry is kept under regular review. I have nothing to add at present to what has already been said by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. The hon. Member will know, however, that for several reasons, of which cost is one, the popularity of slate as a roofing material has declined considerably in the last forty years and may well continue to decline.

Mr. Roberts

While not thanking the Minister for that defeatist and depressing reply, may I ask if he is aware that depression is deepening in this important industry, which is of the highest importance to the economy of North-West Wales, and that the least he can do as the responsible Minister is to institute an immediate and fast-moving inquiry into present conditions and prospects of the industry?

Mr. Molson

I think the position of the industry is reasonably well understood. I would point out to the hon. Member that there is no great unemployment among those who are willing to work in this industry. Within the last year there has, in fact, been a shortage of labour in the industry.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what research the Government are making into possible alternative uses for slate?

Mr. Molson

We are not ourselves engaged in research, although research is continuing to take place. Bricks, tiles and lightweight aggregates are possible uses for slate in a ground-up form. One of the companies owning a quarry there is likely to begin producing shortly tiles and bricks made of ground slate.