§ Lord Graham of Edmonton asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they will investigate the effect on the construction industry of the shortage of common Fletton bricks.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)My Lords, decisions on the production and supply of these bricks are a matter for the commercial judgment of the industry and it would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene directly.
§ Lord Graham of EdmontonMy Lords, is the Minister aware that members of the Federation of Master Builders are reporting that they are often given a supply time for common Fletton bricks of four months, and that the alternative of importing bricks from Denmark and Germany is both ludicrous and expensive? Bearing in mind that the Oxford clay used for the making of common Flettons is in a virtual monopoly situation with the London Brick Company, what steps do the Government propose to take to ensure that British bricklayers are able to lay British-made bricks?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, there may be a slight misunderstanding about the common brick. A Fletton is the term used for a special make of common brick. Of course there are other types of common brick produced in this country and indeed there are alternatives that can be used for common bricks. I can assure your Lordships that the percentage of net imports of both common and facing bricks last year was under 0.75 per cent.
§ Lord Graham of EdmontonMy Lords, the Minister is of course quite right when he says that there are other types of brick besides Fletton. Does he not accept that the overwhelming experience of bricklayers in this country is not only that they have relied upon them but that many of the houses that have been built—which from time to time need renovation and repair—rely upon a supply of common Fletton bricks? Further, bearing in mind the fact that the virtual monopoly supplier is also undertaking studies to acquire a source of concrete for making bricks, what steps are the Government taking to monitor the predatory activities of those who are involved in such activity in the brick-making business?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, the Director-General of Fair Trading considered the take-over of 580 the London Brick Company in 1984 and recommended to my right honourable friend that there were no grounds for a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Last year the production of Fletton commons amounted to 165 million out of a total of commons produced in Great Britain of over 1,042 million.
§ Lord Graham of EdmontonMy Lords, does the Minister not appreciate that there are trends that need to be watched? If he is telling us that only 0.75 per cent. of common bricks are imported, is he not monitoring the situation? Further, can he assure the House that should the situation worsen, he will consider taking some action?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, it was commons and facings that were imported. I am not able to give the noble Lord the breakdown between common and facing bricks imported. However, we are watching the situation; otherwise I would not have been able to give him the figures that I have quoted.