§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence his Department possesses of building materials such as cement in short supply in the north-east of Scotland for oil-related and other activities being exported; and if he will take steps designed to discourage such export.
§ Mr. FreesonExports of cement, which represent a very small proportion of the total production, have fallen considerably this year, and my Department has no evidence that exports of other building materials are significantly affecting home supplies. The attention of building materials producers has been drawn to the importance of work associated with the development of oil resources. Provided that proper account is taken of the needs of the home market I would not wish to discourage exports.