§ 104. Mr. Keenanasked the Minister of Works if any steps are being taken to increase the production of bricks in order to ensure the supply of bricks to the building trades in the Merseyside area.
§ Mr. StokesYes. Officers of my Department met brickmakers from Lancashire and Cheshire on 31st May and urged them to step up production. Three brickworks which have been closed since the outbreak of war are due to re-open shortly, and it is likely that one or two others may also be opened.
§ 111. Mr. K. P. Thompsonasked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the delays experienced in Liverpool's housebuilding programme as a result of the shortage of bricks; and what steps he is taking to overcome this shortage.
§ Mr. StokesYes. Brick production in this region increased in May by 12 million bricks over the production in April. My regional director has discussed the position with local brickmakers and I hope, as a result, that production will be further increased in the coming months