§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what representations he has received regarding the use of high alumina cement in building; from whom; and on what dates;
(2) what investigations he has conducted, or proposes to conduct, into the extent of the use of high alumina cement in Scotland;
(3) what evidence he has of the use of high alumina cement in Scotland by local authorities or public bodies aided by Government funds in Scotland;
(4) if he will make a statement on the report of the Building Research Station on high alumina cement.
§ Mr. William RossCirculars were issued to local authorities by the Scottish Development Department in May, June and August 1974 drawing attention to high alumina cement problems and recommending appropriate action.
All information collected in Scotland by my Department has been passed to the Building Research Establishment. A 182W report on the results of further research by the establishment will be published in May and will, as with previous reports, be brought to the attention of the local authorities and other public bodies. I propose to issue a summary of the report's main findings and, later, advice on specific points requiring further study.
Information so far received from local authorities indicates that the use of high alumina cement for structural work has been identified in 20 schools and five housing developments, and that authorities are taking appropriate action, including closure of buildings in some cases, while investigation and remedial measures proceed.
Representations on financial implications have been received from one local authority. Otherwise I have received few representations of any kind.