§ 11. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Works the comparative cost per thousand in 1939 and 1946, for roofing tiles and common building bricks.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThere is a very wide range of types both of roofing tiles and of common building bricks with consequent considerable variations in price. The present ex-works prices of typical hand-made tiles range from 148s. 6d. to 178s. 8d. per thousand, and of machine-made tiles from 120s. to 136s. 4d. The present ex-works prices of common bricks range from 46s. 3d. to 97s. 6d. per thousand. The average increase over 1939 prices is approximately 75 per cent. in the case of tiles and 70 per cent. in the case of bricks.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that these increases in price are disproportionate arid are not reflected in the wages of the workers? Will he take this into account when making inquiries into the difficulties of building new houses and improving conditions of the workers?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI will take note of what the hon. Member said.