§ 82. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that builders have to use concrete blocks for internal walls because of the shortage of bricks; how many brickworks have been closed in the south-west region during the past five years; and what steps are being taken to reopen them to meet the heavy demand for bricks.
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§ Lord John HopeI am aware that for some years various blocks have been used on their merits for internal walls, and I welcome their increased use as an alternative to bricks. Twenty-four brickworks in the south western region closed during the past five years and four have reopened. Many of the remainder have exhausted their clay or been converted to other uses. Production of all bricks in the first quarter of this year was 1,805 million, the highest first quarter's figure in any post war year.