HC Deb 16 February 1926 vol 191 cc1687-8
12. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the number of foreign bricks imported into this country during the last three years?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The number of bricks imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland, registered as consigned from foreign countries, amounted to 7,372,000 in 1923, to 85,015,000 in 1924, and to 159,002,0000.

Mr. HARRIS

Has there been a request that this industry should come under the safeguarding of induries Act?

Captain GEE

Could not the answers to this and many other questions be obtained by Members themselves, if they would refer to the books which are to be obtained free at the Vote Office, and so save public expense?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I should indeed be glad if hon. Members would do that.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Is it not worth while calling attention to the fact that these bricks could be made in this country, and so provide a tremendous lot of work for people who are unemployed?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am under the impression that most of the brickworks in this country are pretty fully occupied.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. Are not questions supposed to be put for the purpose of obtaining information, and not for the purpose of drawing attention to alleged irregularities or otherwise?

Mr. SPEAKER

I hope so, but I am not always sure.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Does not the experience of the London County Council show that, if it were not for the import of foreign bricks, they would not be able to build houses?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I should require notice of that question, but, even if I had notice, I do not think it is a question that I could answer.