§ Mr. Tylerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the latest available estimate of brick production per month; and how this compares with the last 12 months recorded;
(2) what is the latest available estimate for bricks stockpiled; and if he is satisfied that supplies will be readily available if his policies for increased house building materials;
(3) what is the estimated reduction in brick manufacturing capacity that may result from the close-down of brickworks owned by the London Brick Co.; and whether he is satisfied that no long-term damage to the building programme will result.
§ Mr. FreesonProvisional figures indicate that the number of bricks produced380W in May 1974 was 558 million and that stocks at the end of that month amounted to 521 million. The average monthly production over the previous 12 months was 545 million.
The London Brick Company expects, as a result of works closures and other measures it has taken, to reduce annual output by about 400 million. I do not believe that there will be any problems over the supply of bricks in the short term and I am keeping a close watch on the position as regards the longer term.