HC Deb 21 April 1926 vol 194 cc1206-7
63. Mr. T. THOMSON

asked the Minister of Health the number of bricklayers employed in 1913–14 and the number employed at the present time; the output of bricks in this country in 1913–14; and the rate of annual output at the present time?

Sir K. WOOD

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to a question addressed to my right hon. Friend by the hon. Member for Don Valley on the 22nd ultimo. As regards the second part of the question, the information which the hon. Member desires is contained, so far as it is available, in the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Don Valley on the 23rd ultimo.

Sir W. DAVISON

Can the hon. Member say what steps the Ministry are taking to secure the dilution of the building industry so that these houses, which he stated yesterday were held up through the lack of labour, can be proceeded with?

Mr. SPEAKER

A question of that kind must be put on the Paper.

Sir H. CROFT

Is there not a very large number of men in this country who are capable of working in the brickyards, and cannot the Ministry find employment for these men, while such great quantities of foreign bricks are coming in?

Sir K. WOOD

We are glad to see as many people as possible employed, but my hon. and gallant Friend will know that the Housing Act, 1924, specifically lays down that no restrictions are to be put upon the local authorities as far as orders for bricks are concerned. My right hon. Friend on more than one occasion has addressed communications to the local authorities asking that wherever possible they should give their orders to British firms.

Mr. THOMSON

Does not the reply referred to show that a larger number of bricks are being made than in 1914?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir. The question refers to the number of bricks produced. With regard to the number of bricks laid, that is a matter of considerable controversy, and I must not be taken as accepting what my hon. Friend says.

Sir JOHN MARRIOTT

Arising out of the last reply but one, does the Minister not think that it is time the Act of 1924 was repealed?

Mr. PALING

Is the hon. Member aware that in regard to that Act certain sections of the Master Builders' Federation state that the Act works so well that the question of labour has been overcome, and they are satisfied?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for debate.