asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, seeing that, as a result of shortage of orders, reductions in wages and short time are being introduced into the West Highland slate quarries, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that all orders for housing schemes by local authorities shall be given to Scottish slate quarries?

Having regard to the terms of Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, I am not in a position to require local authorities to use only Scottish slates on housing schemes. I am, however, sending the hon. Member a copy of a Circular which I caused to be issued on 23rd December last to all local authorities as to the desirability of utilising materials from home sources.