§ 23. Mr. R. W. Elliottasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he is satisfied with the supply of craftsman made bricks and tiles; and what steps he is taking to ensure the survival of a sufficient number of small brickyards.
§ Mr. SharplesYes, Sir. I am not aware of any difficulties in the supply of craftsman-made bricks or tiles.
§ Mr. ElliottIs my hon. Friend aware that the growth of the huge brick combines has resulted in the closing of many local brickyards? Has not this monopolistic tendency resulted, first, in a 323 shortage of common bricks and, second, in the extinction of the possibility in many of the brickyards which still exist of making these special bricks?
§ Mr. SharplesNo, Sir; we have not received any complaints in recent months of a shortage of this kind of brick. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any particular case he has in mind, I shall look into it.