§ Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Minister of Works how many licences have been granted for the reopening of brickworks closed down during the war; how many have been reopened and resumed production; and is he satisfied with the progress made in bringing this vital industry into full operation.
§ Mr. TomlinsonLicences to re-open have been granted in 214 cases, and at the end of September bricks were actually in production in 20 of these works. Labour is not returning to the brickworks as quickly as I could wish, but everything that is possible is being done with the assistance of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. Meantime the stocks of bricks in hand provide a reasonable safeguard against any general shortage for some months to come.