HC Deb 28 June 1960 vol 625 cc1118-9
6. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Works what was the number of bricks produced this year up to the latest convenient date; and what are the comparable figures for 1955 and 1957.

Lord John Hope

In the first five months of 1960 brick production amounted to 3,021 million. Comparable figures for 1955 and 1957 were 2,866 million and 2,934 million, respectively.

Mr. Dodds

While thanking the Minister for those figures, may I ask if he is aware that the production of bricks is not keeping pace with demand? Did he not rather mislead the House last week about the situation when he said that deliveries showed a post-war record, when in fact the stock of bricks has dropped from 490 million in 1958 to 262 million in 1959, and is now down to 100 million, which is well below what it has been for many years? Is not this encouraging the development of a black market in bricks? Is he aware that the situation is getting very much worse and is holding up house building?

Lord John Hope

I do not think I misled the House at all. I made it quite clear that the record to which I referred was a record of production. As the hon. Member knows, no figures of stocks held by builders are collected, but they are probably considerable.

Sir T. Moore

Will my right hon. Friend realise that if he would give a definite guarantee of forty years' life for brick earth he would go a long way towards securing an increase in the production of bricks?

Lord John Hope

I very much hope that the rise in the curve of production will continue without such a forty-year guarantee.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Minister of Works aware that great quantities of bricks are being used to build modern garages and filling stations, for which I understand money is put up by oil companies? This happens all over the United King dom and is causing an artificial shortage of bricks for essential purposes such as house building.

Mr. Dodds

I beg to give notice that, owing to the complacency of the Minister and the unsatisfactory Answer he has given, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.