§ 6. Mr. Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Works the position of general slate stocks in this country, having regard to the fact that he has been able to cease the importation of Portuguese roofing slates; and if he anticipates providing a continuation or improvement of existing stocks so that there will be no further necessity for the importation of foreign slates in competition with slates quarried in this country.
§ Mr. KeyThe general stock position of roofing slates is poor, and at the end of February amounted to one month's production, 28,700 squares. We are not now importing Portuguese roofing slates but we may have to resume importation owing to the pressing need for slates for repair work. At the same time, efforts are being made to improve the production rate of British slates.