HC Deb 21 July 1949 vol 467 c1536
23. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the demand for rustic facing bricks for the building of power stations, which receives priority, is disorganising the building programme of some local authority housing estates, where the use of these bricks has been recommended by his Department; and if he will take steps to remedy this matter.

Mr. Bevan

My Department will afford help to any local authority which is having these difficulties.

Mr. Sutcliffe

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lay-out of the estate of which he has had particulars, is entirely spoilt by the lack of these facing bricks, and that much time and trouble has been spent in co-operation with his Department in trying to get a really attractive housing estate? Surely that matter should have been considered beforehand? This question of power stations has only recently arisen.

Mr. Bevan

It does not necessarily follow that the kind of facing bricks a particular architect wants ought to be supplied or is in production. It is much wiser to find out what is the supply position before specifying a brick which may not he there.