§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the total stock of new bricks standing available for use at the latest available date; and what was the corresponding figure 12 months earlier. [33748]
§ Mr. ClappisonAt the end of April 1996, brick manufacturers reported 1.1 billion bricks in stock, equivalent to 16½ weeks supply at the current rate of deliveries. In April 1995, the total stock was 0.8 billion, equivalent to 12 weeks delivery at the lower rate of delivery applying then.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate for the annual volume and value of bricks(a) imported into and (b) exported from the United Kingdom. [33752]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe information on overseas trade is as follows:
1995 Number (million) Value (£ million) Exports 25.9 9.5 Imports 43.6 7.9 Further information is published by HMSO in the business monitor MM20 for trade with non-EC countries and in Business monitor MQ20 for trade with EC countries, copies of which are held in the House of Commons Library. The relevant tariff code for clay bricks is 690410000, which is part of SITC 662.41.