HC Deb 13 November 1934 vol 293 cc1742-3
10. Mr. STOURTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of bricks imported from Belgium during the past 12 months to the nearest convenient date, and during the previous year?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

During the 12 months ended 30th September, 1934, the number of bricks of brick earth or clay imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from Belgium was 283,868,000. During the preceding 12 months the number was 165,892,000.

Mr. STOURTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that brick imports from foreign countries have increased from 57,000,000 in 1922 and 159,000,000 in 1933 to the enormous total of 231,000,000 in the first nine months of this year? This is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs since these bricks could have been made at home to provide work for our own people.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

All these facts should be brought before the notice of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. STOURTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the matter is an urgent one?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If representations are made to the Committee, I am sure they will lose no time in dealing with them.

Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to a shortage of bricks in this country?

Mr. LYONS

Is it a fact that there is too much work put upon the shoulders of the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is quite a different subject.