9. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, while encouraging the introduction of new plant into the pottery industry, he has drawn the attention of those concerned to the importance of maintaining a high standard of quality.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am sure that the pottery industry is in no doubt about the importance, while using to the full modern developments in machinery and technique, of maintaining the standards of quality and craftsmanship for which it is famous and on which its export trade, particularly to North America, so largely depends. I am, however, grateful 588 to my hon. Friend for giving me this opportunity of stressing once more the importance of maintaining high standards of quality.
Mr. Scott-ElliotIs my hon. Friend aware that the reason why I put down this Question is because I have heard that in the United States it is rather difficult to control quality in these highly mechanised plants?
§ Dr. Barnett StrossIs my hon. Friend also aware that those of us who live in the area where pottery is made are satisfied that the standard now is far higher than it has been in the last 20 years?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithDefinitely.