§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Minister of Works how the price of Scottish stone for building compares with English stone; to what extent the decline in the use of Scottish stone since 1945 corresponds to an overall trend throughout the United Kingdom; and whether he will consider ways of stimulating the stone-quarrying industry in Scotland.
§ Sir D. EcclesI regret that information on the first two points is not available. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I, in conjunction with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) are trying to encourage stone for all kinds of building work. The use of stone has been freely licensed in Scotland for some considerable time. The trouble is that stone often costs more than other materials.