HC Deb 04 April 1939 vol 345 cc2617-8
49. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Minister of Labour the number of bricks used by the North-Eastern Housing Association during 1937 and 1938; the amount spent for such purpose; the number manufactured in the north-east area; and the number imported from other counties?

Mr. E. Brown

I am informed that approximately 117,000,000 bricks were used by North-Eastern Housing Association, Ltd., in 1937 and 1938. Of these about 97,000,000 were obtained from the Special Areas of Durham and Tyneside. I cannot disclose the contract prices, but I may say that the Association requires contractors to give a preference to materials obtained from the Special Areas provided that price and quality compare favourably with those from outside.

Mr. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the county of Durham there are large areas of clay which can be got and used for brick-making, and does he not agree it would be in the interests of Durham to do that rather than import large numbers of bricks from other counties?

Mr. Brown

My answer shows that the hon. Gentleman is wrong, for 97,000,000 is a large number.

Mr. Batey

Have not more than 20,000,000 bricks been brought into Durham, and could not they have been made there?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member puts down a question I will give him an answer.

Mr. Edwards

Is the Minister aware that the railway companies are quoting special low rates to enable people to dump these bricks in the Special Areas?

Mr. Brown

There has obviously been no dumping since 97,000,000 out of 117,000,000 have been local bricks.

Mr. Edwards

But are they not quoting low rates?

Mr. Brown

It may be so, but there may be special considerations.