Mr. Gresham Cooke:

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether, in view of the likelihood that the brick shortage will continue for some considerable time, he will take special steps to acquaint local authorities and others concerned with the building programmes of the greater availability and advantages of alternative materials for building which might reduce delays in the construction of domestic dwellings.

Dr. Bennett:

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works to what extent the present pace of technological development in the British building industry is such that the demand for bricks cannot be reduced by the spread of industrialised building methods for many years to come; and what estimate he has made of the extent to which the present excess of demand for bricks over the supply thereof can be reduced when such technological development is intensified under the Government's programme.

Industrialised methods will account for a rising proportion of building output. But the demand for building is also going up, so that we shall still need more bricks than are being produced at present. If any clients of the building industry, including local authorities, need advice on the possibility of using materials other than bricks, I would urge them most strongly to use the services of the National Buildings Agency which was set up to give this kind of help.

Mr. Gresham Cooke:

Is it not worth sending out a circular to local authorities on the subject? Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there are many other materials such as concrete bricks and thermal insulated lightweight materials? Further, could he say when he will revise the building regulations and allow local authorities to use these sorts of materials?

With regard to the circular, I think that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. As for the building regulations, this is a most complicated matter which needs a great deal of precision and we are getting on with this as fast as we can.

Dr. Bennett:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the nature of the shortage of bricks and whether the gap is being closed?

I am doing all I can with the brick industry and I am very much encouraged by its promises. I hope that we shall be able to get through next year.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the double hollow brick developed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and will he do all he can to encourage the use of this brick?

It is not the only hollow thing that I have to look at day by day. The right hon. and learned Gentleman can take it that I have considered it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the most grievous shortages of bricks in East Anglia has been occasioned by the failure of the National Coal Board to deliver bricks to schools?

I think that is a rather silly supplementary, because the National Coal Board's prime consideration is the production of coal. The National Coal Board is only the third largest supplier. Of course, it has made strenuous efforts to increase the supply of bricks. I do not think the hon. Gentleman can lay responsibility entirely on the nationalised industries. I might be provoked—I do not want to be—to say something unkind about the private sector.

Since the Minister——

We must get on. Mr. Peter Thomas; Private Notice Question.