§ 1. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the supply of British-made bricks is greatly below the demand; and whether, observing the large number of bricks now imported from abroad and the fact that there are idle and derelict brickyards in this country, he will consider the possibility of assisting private enterprise in the brick trade in order to increase the supply of British-made bricks and give employment to greater numbers of British brickmakers?
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. J. H. Thomas)So far as I am aware there is no present general shortage of bricks. The importation of bricks from abroad represents a very small percentage, probably not more than 5 per cent. of the total production of bricks in this country. I see no case for special assistance for opening up derelict brickyards. If the yards are suitable the prospects of business should be such as to ensure their being worked.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that brickworks in this country have been closed down, and that they labour under the disadvantage of having to pay to the landowner a royalty on every thousand bricks made?