HC Deb 07 March 1966 vol 725 cc1700-1
23. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many cubic yards of lightweight aggregate for concrete, excluding clinker, have been used in his Department's contracts during the past four years; and what steps he is taking to encourage the more extensive use of artificial aggregates in the construction industries.

Mr. C. Pannell

The first part of the Answer would take too many cubic yards of HANSARD at too great a public cost.

The Government are encouraging the more extensive use of lightweight concrete by publishing information and technical guidance on its use.

Mrs. Short

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is at the moment a dichotomy between the production and use of lightweight aggregate materials, in that we are now producing more than we are using and the Building Regulations do not help in this respect? In three to five years' time there may be a shortage of these materials. Therefore, will my right hon. Friend take steps to encourage builders to use them so that manufacturers are encouraged to produce more?

Mr. Panned

Yes. No doubt, my hon. Friend will reply to the letter which I have already written to her on the subject. Any information and help that we can give will be given.