asked the Minister of Works the number of bricks in stock in this country; what is our present national monthly production; what was the number of bricks nationally used per month in 1938; and if he will issue a monthly statement of the brick situation commencing with the new year.

Brick stocks in September, 1945, totalled 1,157.5 millions; production in the same month was 101.8 millions; average monthly sales in 1938 were 623 millions. My right hon. Friend is considering how best to keep Parliament and the public aware of the position with regard to important materials required for the building and civil engineering programme and will consider the hon. Member's suggestion with regard to bricks in this connection.