§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, having regard to the shortage of bricks, he will urge local authorities to use and to encourage the use of the stone which is available in most parts of the country.
§ Mr. MellishNo. Stone is a very expensive building material and requires scarce and highly skilled craftsmen to work it. My right hon. Friend would only urge its use in special circumstances. A number of industrialised house-building systems offer alternatives to brick and are comparable in price.