HC Deb 18 April 1940 vol 359 cc1149-50W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the increase in unemployment among the slate workers, he will give instructions that serious consideration should be given to the use of slate for roofing of some of the hutments and buildings about to be constructed?

Mr. Burgin

I can assure the hon. Member that the use of slate on buildings to be constructed by my Department will be favourably considered where it is suitable and economic. I am bound to point out, however, that in comparison with other roofing materials slate makes greater demands upon those building materials, such as imported timber, which must be conserved for the most essential purposes, and that this must severely limit the extent to which slate can be used.