HC Deb 13 June 1972 vol 838 cc297-8W
Mr. McBride

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he willestimate the total number of bricks required for house construction in the public and private sectors in Wales for the period 30th April, 1972 to 30th April, 1973, and the capacity of the brick making industry in Wales to meet that requirement; and to what extent he estimates that imports of bricks will be necessary to meet shortages.

Mr. Peter Thomas

About 225 million. Some brick manufacturers in Wales may find temporary difficulty in meeting the increased demands made on them, but in 1971 they produced 228 million bricks and are increasing production. There should be no need for any significant imports of foreign bricks in the period.

Mr. McBride

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has examined the supply position of concrete building blocks in Wales, in order to determine if any shortage of these blocks is hindering house construction in Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

There has been increasing demand because of local difficulties experienced by contractors in obtaining brick supplies, but there is no real scarcity of concrete and other building blocks and there are no present indications of a serious effect on house construction.

Mr. McBride

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has estimated the extent of delays to house construction in Wales caused by the long period elapsing between order and delivery of copper piping and fittings.

Mr. Peter Thomas

There is still some delay in obtaining certain types of copper fittings but the supply of copper piping is now much easier.

Mr. McBride

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has examined the supply position of plumbing fittings in Wales; and to what extent delays in delivery of these fittings is hindering, or will hinder, house construction in Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Except for copper fittings, which are the subject of a separate Question by the hon. Member, delays in obtaining supplies of plumbing fittings relate mainly to the larger sizes. These should not have a significant effect on house construction in Wales.