§ 71. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the urgency of increasing the export trade of the pottery industry; and what special facilities are, or are proposed, to be available for the industry?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My right hon. Friend is anxious that this important trade should be maintained and as far as possible increased, and he is now in consultation with the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation on the question of facilities.
§ 72. Mr. Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has given consideration to the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Stoke dealing with the importance of wood-wool to the pottery industry; and can a satisfactory arrangement be made to meet the needs of the industry?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Major G. Lloyd George)My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to this correspondence and to the important question of satisfying the requirements of the pottery and other industries for wood-wool. The supply of round wood for conversion into wood-wool has been affected by the urgent demand for pit props, but the Timber Control fully realise the importance of meeting the demand for wood-wool so far as is possible. My right hon. Friend is reviewing the question urgently in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, and hopes that satisfactory arrangements can be made at an early date.
§ Colonel WedgwoodWill my hon. and gallant Friend receive a deputation from the industry on this question? It is a matter of vital importance to the pottery industry.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI will convey that request to my right hon. Friend.