HC Deb 26 February 1919 vol 112 cc1731-2
43. Major PRESCOTT

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that practically the sole cause of unemploy- ment in the building and allied trades is due to the lack of raw material, especially bricks, and that, notwithstanding the fact that clay diggers and workers in brickyards are urgently required in the national interest, a large number of this class of workmen have not yet been demobilised; and whether he is mindful of the fact that any large increase in the production of bricks cannot be expected owing to the reluctance of brick manufacturers to largely increase their production on account of the uncertainty which is prevailing as to the steps that may be taken by the Government with regard to the requisition of the present stocks of bricks and the fixing of maximum prices for future productions?

Mr. PRATT

While my right hon. Friend cannot agree with my hon. Friend that practically the sole cause of unemployment in the building and allied trades is due to lack of raw materials, especially bricks, he is fully aware of the necessity for the production of bricks and other materials on a large scale, and he can assure him that this matter is receiving the closest attention of the Ministry of Munitions, which Department is responsible for placing orders for these materials. In regard to the workmen employed in brickyards, these have been included in Industrial Group 29, which is one of the groups open for demobilisation, and all men included in this group who are not liable for service in the Armies of Occupation are being demobilised as rapidly as possible. In addition a Building Materials Supply Committee was appointed to select pivotal men in this industry for early release, and the men selected by this Committee have been or are being released. With reference to the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend must refer the hon. Member to the answers given in connection with this subject by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions and by the President of the Local Government Board on the 18th February.