§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration has been given by the Northern Ireland Development Agency to the possibility of establishing local production of building materials which are currently imported; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThis suggestion, which is in line with the recent recommendations of the Northern Ireland Economic Council report on the Northern Ireland construction industry, is being considered by the Northern Ireland Development Agency in the context of its general activities. The agency already encourages the manufacture of a wide range of goods including materials for the construction industry, which are currently imported, where this is technically and commercially viable. Specific proposals investigated in relation to the construction industry have encompassed mini-cement works, insulated building blocks, timber framed houses and plastic window frames. The agency currently has investments in six companies whose products are either used by, or closely allied to, the construction industry.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were employed in the building materials industries, excluding merchants, at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the figures for each of the previous five years.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerBased on the figures from the quarterly employment inquiry for December 1980, it is estimated that, at that time, 4,550 people were employed in the main building materials industries—namely, bricks, pottery, glass and cement; separate figures are not available for employees in other building materials industries such as timber and metal frames. Information for earlier years is contained in theDepartment of Manpower Services Gazette No. 3 issue 1979, copies of which are in the House of Commons Library.