§ 86. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Works if he will make a statement on the production of bricks, giving comparison of the present production rate 124W with 1951, 1955, and 1957, respectively; to what extent there has been a slowing down of house building through shortage of bricks; and how many brickmaking firms have gone out of business since 1951.
§ Mr. MolsonBrick production in the first five months of each year was:
1951 … … … 2,437 million 1955 … … … 2,866 million 1957 … … … 2,934 million 1959 … … … 2,699 million The figures of houses started and completed do not suggest that there is any slowing down of house building. I am not aware that building operations have been held up or delayed through shortage of bricks on more than a few sites.
I have no accurate information of the number of brickmaking firms which have gone out of business since 1951, but about 100 brickworks have been closed down because claypits have become uneconomic or for other reasons.
§ 87. Mr. Coldrickasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that house building in Bristol is being held back owing to the shortage of bricks; and what action he is taking to increase supplies.
§ Mr. MolsonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 16th June.
§ 90. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Works the results of the recent conference to discuss the shortage of bricks in Stockton-on-Tees; where it was held; and who attended.
§ Mr. MolsonA meeting was held on 11th June between representatives of the brick manufacturers in the northern region and officers of my Department. At the meeting the manufacturers stated that they would increase their output as much as possible, and that, as far as existing commitments permitted, they would increase deliveries to Tees-side. I understand that it is likely that further supplies for Tees-side will be forthcoming from Yorkshire manufacturers.
§ Mr. Ledgerasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the shortage of bricks in the Romford area; and if he will arrange for a meeting of brick 125W producers in that area in order to consider the unsatisfied demand at the earliest possible time.
§ Mr. MolsonAs I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 16th June, I am aware that difficulties have arisen over deliveries of certain popular bricks, particularly Flettons, in some areas. I understand there is some work at Romford for which further supplies of a particular facing brick are required, and alternatives are being considered. I am in touch nationally with brick manufacturers and everything possible is being done to minimise delays.