10. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the necessity to improve the balance of trade, he will circularise all architects and engineers 208 drawing up plans for building local authorities' houses, urging that wherever possible indigenous materials are used for the construction of such buildings and the use of imported materials reduced to a minimum; and whether there are existing instructions to architects and engineers in this connection, and of what nature.
§ Mr. MacCollSubject to building regulations, the choice of materials is within the discretion of local authorities and there is no standing advice on this matter from the Department. My right hon. Friend will however consider any suggestions designed to reduce the use of imported materials.
Mr. Gresham CookeWill the hon. Gentleman send a Circular to local authorities urging them to cut out things like continental doors, fancy fittings, Italian terrazzos, foreign glass and the rest which can be used in these houses? In view of the importance of the balance of payments, will he do something about it?
§ Mr. MacCollLocal authorities and builders have a great incentive to be cost-conscious now. My right hon. Friend is considering what advice to give local authorities and will bear in mind the point made by the hon. Gentleman.