§ 58. Mr. SEDDONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present coal ration to pottery manufacturers is reducing the pre-war out-put of gloss-ovens from 100 to 150 per cent. with the same reduction in fireclay kilns; that this shortage of coal is caused by large quantities being sent elsewhere, thereby preventing the pottery manufacturers from supplying fireclay sinks and fireclay closets urgently needed for the State-aided housing schemes as well as the loss of export trade chiefly to countries to whom Great Britain is debtor, thus preventing coal in the form of manufactures, at least 80 per cent. more in value, being used for payment as well as reducing unemployment in this industry; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)The information in the possession of the Coal Mines Department appears to show that the pottery industry has not suffered to an exceptional extent from the general shortage of fuel, which has been an inevitable consequence of the restricted output of coal. The output of coal has shown a marked improvement during the last fortnight, but if any of the firms to whom the hon. Member refers continue to experience serious difficulty, the Coal Controller will be pleased to render them all the assistance in his power.