§ Sir R. Taskerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether it is with his authority that a levy of 3s. per 1,000 has been imposed on all building bricks; and whether he will state the reasons for this imposition and the estimated revenue during the next 12 months?
§ Mr. HicksThe levy referred to has been imposed by the Bricks (Charges) Order, 1942 (Statutory Rules and Orders 1942, No. 915), made by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury at the request of my Noble Friend and approved by this House on the 3rd June last. The revenue thus collected will be applied in making payments in respect of the care and maintenance of brick-producing works which, by reason of the Bricks (Control) Order, 1942 (Statutory Rules and Orders 1942, No. 675), or by agreement with the Minister have ceased or may hereafter cease their production of bricks and for such other purposes as the Minister with the approval of the Treasury may determine. The scheme for contribution towards the care and maintenance of closed brickworks was instituted on the recommendation of the Committee on the brick industry of which the hon. Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) was Chairman and is designed to ensure that the closed works will be in a condition to resume production immediately after the war, in order that the post-war demands may adequately be met. The estimated revenue from the levy during the next 12 months is £300,000.