§ Mr. CLYNESasked (1) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his Department have taken a lease for ten years of certain slate quarries at Ballachulish, in Argyllshire; whether he is aware that, although these quarries contain large supplies of best quality slate, no work is being done; and whether, in view of the great need of slate for housing purposes, it is proposed to make full use of these quarries without further delay;
(2) the Minister of Health whether he is aware of any slate quarries at Ballachulish in Argyllshire which have been taken on a lease for ten years by a Government Department; whether he is aware that these quarries contain large supplies of best quality slate; and whether he can take any action to secure the resumption of work at these quarries in order to obtain slate for housing purposes?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe position is that no lease of the quarries has so far been taken by the Ministry, but that it is in contemplation to take one if satisfactory arrangement can be made for the working of the quarries by a contractor on a commercial basis. Negotiations with this object are proceeding.