§ 50. Mr. Mappasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what reply he gave to Oldham Corporation's request to him in January last with regard to the shortage of common bricks; if he is aware that the corporation's slum clearance work is still being handicapped 26W by the continuing shortage of bricks; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the housing programme is free from brick shortage in the future.
§ Mr. H. BrookeQuestions on brick supplies are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, and after consultation with him I informed the Oldham Corporation, when it communicated with me, that brickmakers were doing their best to meet demands. In fact, I understand that brick production so far this year has been at a record post-war level, and my right hon. Friend hopes that there will be a still further increase in the coming months. I also understand that any shortage of bricks at Oldham has now been largely overcome.
52. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he has taken, following representations made by Wood Green Borough Council, in regard to a two months' delay in the starting date for a building contract owing to the shortage of bricks.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI take it that the hon. Member is referring to the Pellatt Grove scheme. From my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, whom I have consulted, I learn that the order for bricks was not placed until April, although both the contractor for the scheme and the types of brick to be used had been settled nearly a year ago. Earlier ordering would have avoided any risk of delay.