§ 71. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in 1912 bricks could be delivered by cart four miles from the works at Oldham at an all-in price of 23s. per 1,000; whether the price to-day for delivery by cart one mile from the same works is 53s. per 1,000; and whether he is prepared to have an investigation as to the cause of this increase of 130 per cent.?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is not in possession of detailed figures of brick prices for Oldham, but the Prices of Building Materials Committee have reported from time to time on the prices of bricks in a number of typical centres, and these reports have been published. The hon. Member will recollect that the late Minister of Health stated that he had accepted what he described as a fairly generous offer from the brick manufacturers that they would not raise their prices above those prevailing on 1st January, 1924, unless their costs were raised by some influence beyond their control. The question of the increases which have taken place will be a matter which the Committee will consider.
§ Mr. CLYNESCannot the hon. Gentleman proceed to secure the information covering the particular instance in the question instead of being compelled to give a general reply on a particular case?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Committee to which I have referred will, I have no doubt, look into this particular matter, and, if they do not, I shall certainly draw their attention to it.
§ Sir WILFRID SUGDENIs it not the fact that the brickmakers of Oldham have been at considerable loss to prepare and make bricks in order to supply the growing needs and requirements of the local people who want houses?