HC Deb 28 July 1953 vol 518 cc1087-8
40. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that there is still a shortage of bricks in the city of Birmingham and that as a result housebuilding is being cut down by 10 houses per week; and what steps he is taking to speed up the delivery of bricks.

Mr. Marples

No complaint has been received from the Corporation, but one contractor has approached the Principal Regional Officer for assistance. As a result of action taken by the Ministry of Works there has been an improvement in brick deliveries for this contract.

Mr. Shurmer

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that general foremen, builders' agents and builders' merchants have been interviewed, and that investigations have proved that there is a serious shortage of bricks, and anything from six months' to 12 months' delay in the delivery of bricks and cement? Municipal and private housing estates are suffering in the city of Birmingham. Has the right hon. Gentleman not been misinformed by his Birmingham office?

Mr. Marples

I think that the hon. Gentleman, when he goes into it, will find that there is a lengthening delivery date for houses which have not been started and fairly prompt delivery of bricks and cement for houses already under construction. That is one of the ways in which my right hon. Friend has steadied the housing programme, by not having an undue proportion of houses started, and why the rate of building is well over 300,000 houses a year, 50 per cent. over what was thought possible two years ago. If we started too many houses in proportion there would be a setback.

Mr. Shurmer

Can the hon. Gentleman say why large quantities of materials are being sent on to large atomic bomb sites instead of being used for schools, hospitals and houses which are badly needed? Why not allow the local authorities to buy bricks to carry out their housing programmes? We are 10 a week short already in Birmingham.

Mr. Marples

Local authorities can, and often do, buy bricks in bulk. The housing programme takes two-thirds of the available number.

Sir E. Boyle

Is my hon. Friend aware that the real cause of this reduction is that there is no longer a Conservative majority on the City Council of Birmingham?

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