§ 26. Mr. Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Works what are the percentages of Welsh, English, Portuguese, Newfoundland and French slates now used in building and repair works in this country; and what, is he advised, is the comparative life of each type of slate.
§ Mr. KeySo far as can be ascertained, approximately 72 per cent. of the slates are from Wales, 26 per cent. from England, and 2 per cent. from Portugal; there are no imports from Newfoundland or France. It is generally agreed that the best type of Welsh slate has the longest life, but it is difficult to assess with any accuracy the extent to which other slates fall short of this standard.