§ 68. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications he has received to build canteens for people employed in the pottery industry; how many of these have been granted; how many refused; and what is the number of people catered for in canteens and the number for whom there are no canteen facilities, respectively.
§ Mr. BottomleySince the beginning of 1945, the Board of Trade have received 18 applications from pottery manufacturers in the Stoke-on-Trent district to build canteens for their employees. Of these, nine have been granted licences and three have been refused. Two licences have been withdrawn and four applications are still under consideration. Precise statistics are not available, but it is estimated that between two-thirds and three-quarters of the workers engaged in the pottery industry in this district have facilities for hot meals in canteens.
§ 69. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if he still desires an increase in production in the pottery industry; what steps are being taken to carry out the improvements and extensions required in the factories and in the amenities and facilities for the people engaged in the industry.
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, Sir. On loth March in Hanley my right hon. Friend asked the industry to increase output by 15 per cent. over the rate at the end of 1947. Because of its great contribution to the export trade, particularly to dollar markets, every effort is being made to accommodate, within the limited building resources available, all projects which will result in increased production.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithSeeing that the work-people in the industry generally are responding so well, can my hon. Friend give an undertaking that the facilities for 2771 improving the conditions of those engaged in the industry will receive the maximum support from his and other Government Departments?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, Sir.