asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether a number of local authorities have made use of imported tiles in the erection of houses built under the assisted housing scheme; and whether, in view of unemployment in the tile manufacturing trade, he can take steps to ensure that the use of English tiles shall be encouraged?

My right hon. Friend is confident that local authorities will realise the desirability of using English materials where they can be obtained at a price and of a quality which compare favourably with the foreign article. They will certainly receive the support of my right hon. Friend's Department in doing so.