HC Deb 05 February 1968 vol 758 cc18-20
31. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proposals he has for saving imports of construction materials.

Mr. Mellish

My predecessor asked the Economic Development Committees for Building and Civil Engineering to study this problem and to consider what action can be taken to promote the use of home produced materials. They have already asked the architectural profession to specify British materials wherever these are suitable in price, quality and performance. I have instructed designers employed by my own Ministry to use British materials where cost allows them to do so.

Mrs. Short

I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend for the action which he has taken. However, is he aware that there are proposals to import Italian pumice via a West German firm to make blocks for building? Is he further aware that we have plenty of very good lightweight aggregates in this country and that the lightweight aggregate industry very much needs his support? Will he ensure that these imports are not permitted?

Mr. Mellish

I should be obliged if my hon. Friend would let me have chapter and verse about that matter. I do not propose at Question Time to say that I am aware when I am not. She had better let me have the details, and I will certainly have a look at them.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is not chipboard a good example of the kind of industry where the use of a good deal of spare capacity in the home industry might be encouraged?

Mr. Mellish

That is perfectly true. The chipboard industry is under-producing. I understand that there is a possibility of an increase of about 30,000 or 40,000 tons a year. This is the very thing which we should encourage. The cost is not necessarily all that cheaper, but it is British.

Mr. Roebuck

If my right hon. Friend is looking for ways of saving foreign exchange, would he consider the leases which he has on property abroad? Is he aware, for example, that his Ministry spends £100,000 a year in rent on accommodation in Brussels and that the Government as a whole spend £200,000 a year there on rent? Would my right hon. Friend do something to cut this expenditure and not play monopoly with the taxpayer's money?

Mr. Mellish

I am fond of my hon. Friend, but while he was speaking I was trying to see how I could work the Brussels Embassy into this Question. I cannot see how I can do that, and, without notice, I do not propose to try.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Is the Minister aware that the devastation of the Scottish forests in the recent hurricane damage has created a unique opportunity to save on the import of timber? Will he ensure that this tragedy is made into a source of profit for the country through the use of home-grown timber wherever possible?

Mr. Mellish

I respect the hon. Gentleman's question. I will see what can be done to call the attention of the industry to the point which he has made.