§ Mr. Naylorasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that a substantial quantity of bricks is available in Belgium; and whether he proposes to take any action.
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, Sir. A purchasing mission, acting on behalf of His Majesty's Government, has visited Belgium and contracts have already been placed for the supply of a quantity of bricks. These bricks will be purchased and distributed by the Government, who have appointed an agent to carry out the whole transaction. They will be used for housing and other priority works and sold at the controlled ex-works prices of bricks manufactured in the areas of the ports of entry, plus such haulage and other charges as are permitted in the Bricks (Range of Prices) Orders. The cost in the first place will be met from the Building Materials and Housing Fund and the receipts from the sales will be credited to that Fund. A Supplementary Estimate will be laid before the House in due course to reimburse the Fund in respect of the difference between the total cost and the receipts.