HC Deb 18 December 1947 vol 445 cc1845-6
17. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of plain pottery imported during 1947; to what extent is plain pottery purchased in or from North Staffs, and later decorated by pigments, cellulose paints and other poisons; and what action has been or will be taken to prevent this dangerous practice.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)

The value of retained imports of plain domestic pottery during the first 10 months of this year was £194,000. I do not know precisely how much plain pottery is purchased from North Staffordshire or elsewhere for later decoration, but 12 concerns are specifically licensed to do this work for export. Fourteen private persons have licences on hardship grounds to decorate pottery for the home market. I have had no corn-plaints about the possible danger to health caused by the use of ware decorated with unfired colours, but I will arrange for an immediate investigation.

18. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of pottery exported and the amount allowed for the home market during 1947; what complaints he has received about the shortage in this country; and what action does he intend to take to bring about a large increase in the output of pottery, sanitary requirements, electrical insulators, etc.

Mr. H. Wilson

During the first nine months of this year sales for export were valued at £7,058,186 and sales for the home market, excluding Government orders, at £6,137,100. I receive many complaints about the shortage of supplies at home and am doing all I can to help manufacturers to increase production but in view of the great and growing importance of pottery exports I cannot, I regret, promise any early easing of the supply position at home. I am assured that my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Supply and Works are doing all they can to encourage the production of electrical porcelain and sanitary ware respectively.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does my right hon. Friend agree that this industry is making a substantial contribution towards our economic recovery, and that it could make a much greater? If so, will he take energetic steps to set machinery in motion that would bring about an enormous increase in production?

Mr. Wilson

I certainly agree that this industry is making a great contribution both to the export drive and to supplies for the civilian market, and anything I can do to help the industry to do more, I shall be glad to do.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will my right hon. Friend then consider the advisability of calling an early conference consisting of representatives of all interests in order that they may pool their ideas, with a view to carrying out the policy he has agreed upon?

Mr. Wilson

I have already been making arrangements to meet both sides of the industry as early as I can in the New Year.

Mr. A. Edward Davies

Has the Minister any news about the setting up of the development council about which we were promised some information before the end of the year?

Mr. Wilson

There is a Question down on the Order Paper later this afternoon about the development council.