§ 5. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Works how many increases in the price of bricks there have been in the past three years; the amounts of these increases; and how far all types of building bricks have been similarly affected.
§ Sir D. EcclesHundreds of firms produce bricks and many varieties of bricks are produced. Without lengthy inquiries the information desired by the hon. Member could not be obtained.
§ Mr. JegerIs the Minister not aware that some bricks are more popular for mass building than others? I was not really concerned with the specialist bricks so much as those in popular demand, say Fletton bricks. Could the right hon. Gentleman not obtain some information about those?
§ Sir D. EcclesIf the hon. Member will ask me about a particular brick, I will try to find out the price ranges.
§ 6. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Works the present production of building bricks; and how it compares with production in 1938.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe monthly average production of bricks this year is 603 million. No strictly comparable figure is available for 1938.
§ Mr. JegerThe Monthly Digest of Statistics gave the monthly average for 1938 as 650 million. It was the accuracy of that which I was inclined to query. Is it only a tentative figure of 650?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is my own view —that the figure for 1938 is not based on adequate examination.
§ Sir L. RopnerCan my right hon. Friend tell the House what the comparable figure for 1951 was?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir; 507 million.
§ 7. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Works how many different varieties of building bricks are in current use; and the number of each kind being produced.
§ Sir D. EcclesI believe there are some 2,000 varieties. Of these, Flettons account for one-third of the nation's output of about 7,500 million bricks. The hon. Member will not expect me to give figures for the other 1,999 varieties.