§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that since 12th May the London Brick Company are rationing the supply of bricks; to what extent the shortage of bricks is holding up the building of houses in general and council houses in particular; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made to ascertain to what extent his Department can assist in the increase in production of bricks.
§ Mr. AmeryWhile new plant is being brought fully into production I understand that some of the larger producers are allocating deliveries in fairness to their customers. I am about to meet the producers and the contractors to assess the effect of current reported shortages and to discuss the possibility of increasing supplies.