§ Mr. Mortasked the Minister of Works what steps are being taken to find the necessary labour of the right type in order to obtain full resumption of brick production at both closed and active brickworks; how many brickworks, to which 280 licences have been granted to reopen, have commenced operating; and whether he is satisfied that the current production of the brick industry and the speed of reopening is sufficient for the anticipated programme of house building next year.
§ Mr. TomlinsonSpecial arrangements have been made to encourage and facilitate the return to the industry of experienced workers at present employed else-where and to secure that the scheme of release from the Forces operates as rapidly and effectively as possible; in addition, steps have been taken to ensure that the local. Employment Exchanges have the labour requirements of each brickmaker under constant review; prisoners of war are also being used.
Of the 280 works licensed to reopen, 36 were actually in production at the end of October. I cannot say that I am satisfied with the present rate of progress, but I hope that the efforts that are being made will result in the recruitment of the labour necessary to achieve the output required.
§ Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Works how many standard size brick-built houses could be constructed from the present stocks of bricks available in this country; how long these stocks will last on the basis of present building activity; and what is the present annual output of the brick-making industry.
1275W
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe answer to the first part of the question can only be given as a very rough estimate and might be put at 50,000. In October sales exceed production by 50 million, and on this basis stocks would be exhausted in about 20 months. Present production is at the rate of approximately 1,450 millions a year.