33. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Education and Science whether, in view of the necessity of improving the balance of trade, he will circularise all architects and engineers drawing up plans for building schools urging them to ensure that wherever possible indigenous materials are used for the construction of such buildings and the use of imported materials reduced to 645 a minimum; and whether there are existing instructions to architects and engineers in this connection, and of what nature.
§ Miss BaconThe Department's control of school building costs is exercised by laying down minimum standards and cost limits with which local education authorities and promoters must comply. In meeting these requirements they have complete discretion in the choice of materials although I would hope that they would use indigenous materials when these are available and competitive. No instructions on this point exist.
Mr. Gresham CookeWill the right hon. Lady consider the import bill for timber of about £200 million a year? I have recently seen a new school with timber roofing. Will she consider alternatives like plastic tiles instead of wood for flooring, and chipboard for partitions, and other materials which could be used instead of imported materials?
§ Miss BaconMy Department is constantly watching these things and we will consider whether it is appropriate to issue guidance to local authorities.