HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 cc2209-10
6 Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Education (1) if he will provide a national school of ceramics in or near the City of Stoke-on-Trent; and, in view of developments, if he will ensure that it provides for all branches of pottery work, building materials, refractions, abrasives and new and synthetic materials;

(2) what steps it is proposed to take that will ensure full provision for technical and artistic training for the pottery and allied industries, greater provision of apparatus and training in laboratories where experience could be gained in the examination of pottery bodies and other materials; and

(3) if he is aware that in 1937 a deputation representing the City of Stoke-on-Trent and the Staffordshire Education Committee after a visit to continental pottery and art colleges during May and June, 1937, recommended the construction and organisation of a national ceramic school, the provision of training facilities for key people in the pottery, building and other industries; if he has given consideration to the recommendations; and what action he proposes to take, with a view to implementing them.

Mr. Tomlinson

Proposals for a national school of ceramics at Stoke-on-Trent were considered both before the war and after. In 1947 the industry was informed of my readiness to establish such a college, but at that time sufficient support was not forthcoming from industry. The local education authority for Stoke-on-Trent have now made considerable progress with plans for a college of ceramics at an estimated cost of £400,000 to include provision of the type which my hon. Friend has in mind. I am considering whether this can be included in the 1951 programme with the limited resources available.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will my right hon. Friend inform me if he is receiving support from the industry? In addition, in view of the fact that a university is being provided, would it not be a good thing to link these two projects together?

Mr. Tomlinson

The difference between the method of dealing with this question through a national college and dealing with it through the local authorities is that if it is dealt with by means of a national college the industry is expected to put up a good deal of the money. If there is now a desire on the part of the industry for that, I am prepared to look at it again.

Mr. A. Edward Davies

Would the Minister say whether the organised workers have been considered in this matter and, if not, will he take an opportunity of discussing it with them?

Mr. Tomlinson

The organised workers are consulted through their trade union organisation, but I have not discovered that they have a lot of financial backing for a college of this kind.