§ 48. Mr. KELLYasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a resolution from the National Building and Engineering Brick Federation protesting against the embargo by the Ministry of Health on the use of bricks, in view of the heavy capital expenditure made by brickmakers at the direct request of the Government during the last few years, with the object of materially increasing output; whether the resolution has received his consideration; and, if so. with what result?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I have been asked to reply. A communication has been received from the Federation protesting against an embargo on the use of bricks on public buildings. In order to permit of the maximum amount of building work 904 being undertaken during the present shortage of bricklayers, my right hon. Friend is encouraging local authorities where there is a shortage of bricklayers and substitution of other methods of construction is possible, to adopt alternative methods of construction for public buildings. My right hon. Friend is afraid that, in present circumstances, it will not be possible to vary this procedure.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIn face of that statement, has the hon. Gentleman considered the question of the cost of materials?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir; obviously, that consideration has to be taken into account. While bricklayers are scarce and housing is urgent, we are asking local authorities to consider other methods of construction.
§ Mr. THORNEHow can the hon. Gentleman state, as a fact, that there is a shortage of bricklayers, when there is any number of bricklayers registered at the various Exchanges? It is no use the hon. Gentleman shaking his head; it is true.