HC Deb 11 March 1968 vol 760 cc961-2
33. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether, in view of his policy that all professions concerned with construction should dispense with imported materials where suitable home-produced alternatives exist, he will request the Construction Materials Group to issue at regular intervals a publication giving particulars of home-produced building materials available for use in the various categories where imported materials are now frequently used.

Mr. Mellish

I am certainly concerned to see that home-produced building materials are used to the maximum extent.

The Construction Materials Group is responsible to the Economic Development Committee for Building and Civil Engineering, and I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to its attention.

Sir G. Nabarro

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that in the conservation of imported materials the architect is all important? As he is the Ministerial parent of all architects in Britain, cannot he distribute his information direct to architects to promote this vital policy?

Mr. Mellish

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for the interest which he has shown. I have had discussions with Sir Hugh Wilson, President of the R.I.B.A., and I have a personal assurance from him that he will do the best he can to see that the point of view which the hon. Member has expressed, and which I share, will in fact come about.