HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 cc214-5W
Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Works how many brickworks were held under requisition by the Government on 30th November, 31st December and 31st January, respectively.

Mr. Tomlinson

At 31st December last, 269 brickworks, some of which normally produce other types of clay products, were still held by Government requisition. At 31st January, 1946, the number had been reduced to 194 and of these more than half are now in process of clearance and will be completely vacated very shortly. I regret that the figure at 30th November, 1945, is not available.

Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Works how many brickworks were still closed down on 30th November, 31st December and 31st January, respec- tively; and how many of these are now producing finished bricks.

Mr. Tomlinson

The numbers of closed brickworks at the respective dates were 593, 561 and 496. None of these works was producing finished bricks on 31st January last, which is the latest date for which returns are available.