asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the Bridgwater and Bristol brickyards the price of bricks has gone up by 11s. per thousand; and whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering as the result of the acceleration of housing schemes?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at the Bridgwater and Bristol brickyards the price of bricks has gone up by 11s. per thousand; and whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering as the result of the acceleration of housing schemes?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the Bridgwater and Bristol brickyards the price of bricks has gone up by 11s. per thousand; and whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering as the result of the acceleration of housing schemes?

I understand that there has recently been some increase in brick prices in these localities, though not to the extent suggested. I have asked the Inter-departmental Committee on the Prices of Building Materials to investigate the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the increase which he understands has taken place?

I cannot say without notice. If the hon. Member will put a question down on the Order Paper, I will gladly answer it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in Bristol and in the West of England promoters of housing schemes cannot build houses to any extent, however anxious they may be, owing to shortage of bricks: that public housing schemes are only allowed to have a limited supply of bricks after private builders have had what they require; and whether he will take steps to see that the utmost facilities are provided for municipalities to obtain materials in order that they may be able to proceed as quickly as possible with the schemes in hand?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in Bristol and in the West of England promoters of housing schemes cannot build houses, however anxious they may be, owing to a shortage of bricks; that public housing schemes are only allowed to have a limited supply of bricks after private builders have had what they require; and whether he will take steps to see that the utmost facilities are provided for municipalities in order that they may be able to proceed as quickly as possible with the schemes in hand?

I understand that there has been some shortage in the supply of bricks, owing to the exceptionally large orders which have been placed recently so that houses might be completed by 30th September next. I am informed, however that it is not a fact that private builders are given preferenuce over housing schemes. I anticipate that the position will improve as a result of the decision to continue the present rate of subsidy under the Act of 1924, and I am in fact informed that already the position has become easier.