HC Deb 09 February 1948 vol 447 cc15-6
23. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Works how many railway trucks are used each month to convey Fletton bricks to the S.W. and Midland areas; and is he aware that there are already large stocks of bricks at local brickworks in these areas; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. Key

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not readily available. I am aware that there are large stocks of bricks in the Midlands and South-Western areas, but stacking of bricks is customary at this time of the year and is taking place in other parts of the country also, including the Fletton areas. I am making representations to the British Transport Commission that no section of the brick industry should have an unfair advantage in the matter of transport rates.

Mr. Lipson

Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter still further, because there are already 29 million bricks in stock in these areas and it seems a misuse of railway trucks and other forms of transport to convey further supplies from the Fletton area?

Mr. Key

Special inquiries are being conducted into the matter.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Is it not a fact that supplies of Fletton bricks are available to local authorities at a lower price than that which is asked for stocks of bricks already in certain areas, and is not economy in housing costs very important?

Mr. Key

Of course, that is a matter always to be taken into consideration.