§ 8. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he has taken, and what further steps he proposes to take, to assist the high-grade, light-weight aggregate-producing industry.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe Department continues to encourage more extensive use of light-weight aggregate by using it widely, by supporting research and by publishing information and technical guidance.
§ Mrs. ShortIs my hon. Friend aware that this industry is operating at a fraction of its capacity and is facing a very difficult situation? Would he bear in mind that his right hon. Friend's predecessor gave certain undertakings to the industry? Would he look at these again and see what can be done, in the considerable capital development programme of his own Department, to encourage those who have invested considerable amounts of capital in the industry?
§ Mr. LoughlinI will certainly look at the undertakings that are alleged to have been given. My Department uses lightweight aggregates as far as possible. Apart from that, it must be admitted that the designer must be left to choose his own materials. All that we can do is to draw his attention to the choice that exists.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsWould the Minister bear in mind that the points of view put forward by the hon. Lady are very much more in keeping with the apprehensions of the industry than those put forward by the Minister? Is he aware that the aggregate industry and the whole of the construction industry are concerned at the decline, which is the first since 1963, and which the Government Front Bench do not seem to be treating with the urgency it demands?
§ Mr. LoughlinI must repeat what my right hon. Friend has said. It may be a decline, but, like all declines, it depends where we start from. It is no good hon. Gentlemen opposite criticising us on this issue because they have not got a leg to stand on.