29. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the fact that imports of foreign marble into this country amount to approximately £2 million per annum, and the need to reduce 1209 imports, he will send a circular to local authorities urging that its use for building purposes should be discouraged.
§ Mr. MacCollNo, Sir. I do not know of imported marble being used in local authority housing or other buildings to any significant extent. Local authorities are aware of the need to use indigenous materials where these are satisfactory in price and quality.
Mr. Gresham CookeDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that, while the bill for foreign marble is not very large compared with the huge adverse balance of payments, there are a number of British products which can be substituted for things like marble and, therefore, should be used wherever possible?
§ Mr. MacCollI am sure that local authorities would always want to look at a British product if it were cheaper and of good quality.