§ 8. Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the London Brick Company, Limited, has had to discontinue all night shifts at Peterborough and at Bletchley Works, and their works at Elstow are to close down completely on 18th March; and owing to the demoralising effect it has upon this industry and upon the workers engaged in it what he proposes to do in the matter.
§ Mr. KeyThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I expect the present decline in the demand for bricks to be temporary and I am giving urgent consideration, in conjunction with representatives of the industry, to measures that might be taken to meet the situation until the demand revives.