§ 65. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Works how many licences for extension of pottery factories were issued in 1949; and what was the total of these licences.
§ Mr. StokesThirty-three licences, to a total value of £203,200, were issued in 1949 for extensions to existing buildings in the pottery industry, and a further 12 licences, to a total value of £114,600, for new buildings. My hon. Friend will be 596 aware of the important contribution made by the industry to the export trade.
§ Dr. StrossYes, but is my right hon. Friend aware that whereas we welcome every assistance to what is perhaps the most important smallish industry in the country, some of us are under the impression that licences are not being scrutinised carefully enough, and that in some cases there is a perpetuation of slum factories?
§ Mr. StokesI do not think that my hon. Friend is correctly informed. All these licences are carefully scrutinised by the Board of Trade, on whose recommendation they are granted.