asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether all the brick-making machinery at Peterborough and Fletton is working to full capacity; what number of bricks are being made there each week; and whether there is a shortage of bricks at the present time in Great Britain?

The yards in the Peterborough area are working to full capacity having regard to the lighting restrictions. It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the second part of the Question, but in reply to the last part of the Question I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that there is no shortage of bricks in Great Britain at the present time.

Are all the hand brick-makers in the country fully engaged?

I could not answer that.

If there is no shortage of bricks in this country, will my hon. Friend consider using bricks for runways on aerodromes?