HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 cc998-9
42. Mr. Marples

asked the Minister of Works whether his regional research officer has reported on his visit to investigate the claim of a Bradford builder's labourer that any bricklayer can lay 1,000 ordinary bricks an hour by using a movable vertical ladder and, the ordinary scaffolding; whether he will publish the report, or such extracts as would be of interest; and what he estimates would be the time saved in housebuilding by the adoption of this practice.

Mr. Key

A report has been made in this case, and a copy sent to the inventor, with whose consent I am also sending the hon. Member a copy. As the device is at present only in an early experimental stage, it is impossible to estimate what time might be saved in housebuilding by its use.

Mr. Marples

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that any 'saving is likely? If so, will he pass the information to his scientific department?

Mr. Key

I think that the hon. Member will find in the report I am giving him that it is doubtful whether any saving will be made.