HC Deb 11 June 1951 vol 488 cc164-5W
97. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many stone quarries at the present time are working below capacity; that more stone could be turned out from many quarries without increasing the number of men employed therein; that such in creased quantity of stone could be used in roadwork without in any way increasing the present number of men employed on such work; and whether he will take steps to arrange for the better utilisation of this wasted manpower.

Mr. Barnes

Some quarries are at present working below capacity, but I am not aware that output could be increased without employing additional skilled quarry men. An increase in the quantity of stone used would be bound to cause some increase in the number of men employed on road works. There is no shortage of stone for carrying out the authorised programme of road works.