§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Works what was the average selling price of 2⅞ inch wire-cut bricks at works in 1938; what is the present price; what was the wage rate for labourers in the brick trade in 1938; and what percentage increase has taken place up to date.
§ Mr. SandysStatistics for the prices of this type of brick in 1938 are not available, but it is estimated that they varied between 42s. and 56s. per thousand according to the district. Present prices vary between 59s. and 91s. per thousand. The rise in prices is mainly due to increases in the cost of labour and fuel. The 1938 wage for labourers in the brick manufacturing industry was 49s. for a 48-hour week. Present rates show an increase of 55 per cent.