§ 35. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the shortage of china clay for the manufacture of china and earthenware; and what steps he is taking to secure improved supplies and more expeditious delivery.
§ Mr. MarquandI am not aware of any general shortage in supplies of china clay for the pottery industry, but, if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. BeechmanWill the hon. Gentleman have special inquiries made in Cornwall to make sure that the supplies there are as large as possible, because there are resources in Cornwall which are not being worked?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir.
§ Mr. John LewisIs the Minister aware that there is not only a shortage of china clay in this industry, but also in the rubber industry, and will he look into the matter?
§ Mr. MarquandI find that the production of china clay has risen from 87,598 tons during the first quarter of 1946 to 137,259 tons in the third quarter, and that employment has increased from 2,219 in January to 2,964 in September. Among the steps taken to increase supplies of china clay is the allocation of 350 German prisoners of war, of whom about 200 are already working, and priority for machinery needs to china clay pits, while the workers in the industry have recently had their wages and their food rations increased.