HC Deb 31 October 1994 vol 248 cc989-90W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what study he is making of the availability of stone and other traditional building materials for repairs to historic buildings.

Mr. Dorrell

The Department of the Environment's building research establishment undertakes research into the selection and availability of building materials in the British Isles. It has published the following relevant reports:

Title year of publication
The Building Limestones of the British Isles 1993
The Building Sandstones of the British Isles 1986
The Building Magnesian Limestones of the British Isles 1988
The Building Slates of the British Isles 1991

English Heritage is shortly to commence a study into the problems facing the fissile stone slate industry in the Cotswolds and the Peak district. English Heritage is also funding research into supplies of lime for conservation mortars, plasters and renders and will be publishing a directory of small-scale lime burning and ready mixed materials traditionally used in conservation work.