§ 1. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the pottery industry was one of the first to be concentrated and suffered more in relation to other industries; if it is intended now to apply a policy of deconcentration in consultation with representatives of all interests concerned; if he will take into account the important contribution that could be made in our export trade and the fact that all materials used are obtained in this country; and if it is intended to organise a planned expansion of the industry in order to ensure the maximum production.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)I am most anxious that the pottery industry shall be able to make its full contribution to the expansion of our export trade, in addition to meeting home demands, after the war. I am in consultation with the industry with a view to helping the closed potteries to prepare their premises and plant for re-opening, and, as soon as the progress of the war permits, a start will be made with reopening.
§ Mr. SmithWill my right hon. Friend consider having an investigation made into the efficiency of the industry at the same time?
§ Mr. DaltonI am in close touch with both sides of the industry. I have visited the Potteries and my representatives have often been there, and I think we can co-operate together very well.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that prices ruling to-day are such that pottery products will find a ready sale abroad without some form of Government assistance?
§ Mr. DaltonI think so. We have control over prices in the home market. There is no comparable control over export prices, but British pottery has such a good reputation that it will sell anywhere abroad.