§ 173. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Works for what reason the authorised charge for the stacking of bricks has been increased by 66⅔ per cent. in S.R. & O., 1946, No. 1692; and why in this same Order the range of prices, ex works, allows a margin considerably in excess of the 6s. per 1,000 margin given in the Bricks (Range of Prices) No. 1 Order, 1943.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe previous charge for stacking bricks was based on 1939 costs and current costs justify the increase of 66⅔ per cent. The range of 6s. per 1,000 bricks was fixed in the light of wartime conditions. The circumstances are now entirely different and the increases granted in amendments to the Orders have applied to the maxima of the ranges only. I have under consideration the question of the need for retaining the minima in future Prices Orders.