§ 37. Mr. Waddingtonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many brickworks have recently closed and how many have notified him of their decision to introduce short-time working; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LoughlinProducers are not obliged to inform the department of closures or short-time working, but I understand that in the past three months thirteen brickworks have ceased production because of reduced demand. During 301W the same period I have been notified that two works have introduced short-time working. My right hon. Friend is meeting representatives of the brickmakers again on Thursday to discuss the situation further.