HC Deb 16 February 1965 vol 706 cc1000-1
23. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the proposals of the National Coal Board to encrease its brick production; and what new brickworks are to be built by the National Coal Board.

24. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Power to what extent the National Coal Board proposes to contribute to the production of bricks.

Mr. John Morris

Current plans provide for an increase to 550 million bricks in 1966–67 compared with 488 million in 1963–64. This includes the production from two new brickworks which are under construction at Desford and Throckley. The possibility of constructing further plants is being considered.

Mrs. Short

May I thank my hon. Friend for that reply and say how pleased we all are on both sides of the House and outside that the Brickworks Executive of the National Coal Board is making such an important contribution to the supply of bricks for the nation's housing and other building drives? Is he aware that resources will be needed at the old brickworks of the National Coal Board to improve the working conditions of the men employed there and to encourage recruitment? Also, will he ensure that if the Coal Board wishes to set up modern brickworks, for instance in Scotland, the necessary capital resources will be available?

Mr. Morris

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Board is responsible for framing its own programmes of investment. The Minister has to approve the lines and will bear in mind the needs of brick production throughout the country.

Mr. Dodds

Does it not gladden my hon. Friend's heart to know that this extension of public enterprise will be well received by an important body of Tory supporters—namely, those Tory builders who have been frustrated for so long by limitations of brick supplies?

Mr. Stratton Mills

How many of these bricks have been allocated for the Government's brick-dropping programme?

Mr. Morris

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, although the last Government made substantial plans for house building we discovered that there was a countrywide shortage of bricks.