HC Deb 19 March 1946 vol 420 cc338-9W
140 Mr. Anthony Nutting

asked the Minister of Works what steps are being taken to make available a larger quantity of facing bricks for building works.

Mr. Tomlinson

The production of facing bricks is receiving the same urgent attention as that of common bricks. Every effort is being made to obtain the release of the skilled workers still in the Forces, and all other possible steps will be taken to secure the necessary labour recruitment.

142. Mr. Lavers

asked the Minister of Works how many workable brickyards are available on the north-east coast; what is their potential output per week; how many brickyards in the same area were producing at the outbreak of war; and what was their weekly output.

Mr. Tomlinson

The number of brickyards in Northumberland, Durham and North and East Ridings of Yorkshire in production at the outbreak of war was 113, and their rate of output was about 9,976,000 bricks per week. These brickyards are still workable and their potential capacity is much the same.

145. Major Spence

asked the Minister of works whether he will consider arranging a flat rate for the transport of bricks, having regard to the extra amount that is added to building costs in the more remote parts of the country under present conditions.

Mr. Tomilnson

The rates for transport or bricks are at present under consideration and the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member will be borne in mind.

Mr. D. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Works how many brickworks are now in production in South Wales; how many are idle, and if he is satisfied that the present productive capacity of the undertakings now in production is adequate to meet building requirements in the area.

Mr. Tomlinson

In South Wales 19 works produced finished bricks in January. Twenty-nine further works have not so far produced finished bricks but with the exception of two have received licences to produce. The output from these 48 brickworks if fully manned would meet building requirements in the area, and all possible steps are being taken to provide for the necessary recruitment of labour.