§ 63. Sir CHARLES STARMERasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a landowner in a north-eastern district who, in spite of the prevailing scarcity in bricks, refuses to sell the land necessary for the extension of an adjoining brickfield; and whether he will take the necessary steps to obtain powers to intervene in a case of this sort?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have considered the case which my hon. Friend brought to 1241 my notice. I think that owners of land can generally be trusted to act with public spirit in cases in which their land is required for the public good and payment is available. If I find that the production of building materials is hampered by landowners, I shall consider submitting a short Bill to the House.
§ 65. Sir C. STARMERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the increased cost of building houses on Tees-side is due to transport charges of bricks; and whether he will co-operate with the local brick manufacturers with a view to additional plant being installed under a. guarantee to take their increased production?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have no precise information on the point raised in the first question. As regards the second, if a fifteen years' building programme is accepted by the House, brick manufacturers should be enabled to extend their plant without specific guarantees in view of the continuing demand for their product.
§ Mr. P. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman permit the importation of foreign bricks where there is an insufficient supply of bricks?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have no intention of interfering with the free importation of building materials.