HC Deb 14 June 1972 vol 838 cc314-5W
66. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the current shortage of bricks for the building industry.

Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has with the National Federation of Building Trades Employers regarding the shortage of building materials and components in the industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which building materials are in short supply; whether there are regional deficiences of any particular materials; and what action his Department is taking to overcome the shortages.

Mr. Amery

I have received reports of varying delays in the supply of bricks and I have discussed this problem with representatives of the Brick Development Association and the National Federation of Building Trades Employees together. The brick makers consider that now that the effects of the coal strike have been overcome and with the new plant coming into operation their brick producing capacity should enable them to meet present and likely future demand. The National Federation of Building Trades Employees' informal soundings of its members suggest that the situation is already slightly easier than it was three months ago. Nevertheless I am keeping in close touch with both the brick makers and the builders.My inquiries suggest that shortages of other materials are not widespread.

72. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to increase the supply of building materials.

Mr. Amery

My officials and I are in constant touch with producers and merchants over the supply of building materials.

82. Mr. David Stoddart

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in his discussions with the brick producers when they told him that they were introducing increased capacity which should result in productive capacity adequate to meet the expected demand for bricks, he was informed of the proposals of a brick company, whose name has been sent to him, to introduce a form of rationing for supplies of bricks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

My Department was informed in April that the London Brick Company was introducing a system which endeavours to allocate supplies fairly among its customers while there are some difficulties over meeting demands.