§ Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning why he is closing down a number of brickmaking works in view of the shortage of houses in the United Kingdom; and what action he intends taking about the matter?
§ Mr. HicksCertain brickworks have been closed in accordance with recommendations made by the committee on the brick industry, in its first Report, with a view to reducing the output of bricks to such a quantity as would meet current demands for urgent war-time building, thereby releasing the maximum number of men for other essential industries and the Forces. The output of continuing works is sufficient to meet all the anticipated demands of the building industry, and520W steps are being taken to maintain the closed works in such a condition that production can be resumed with as little delay as possible. The supply of bricks for necessary house building is therefore safeguarded. No change in the present policy is contemplated.