§ 14. Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Education how many classes there are for teaching ceramics in technical colleges under the education authority of the West Riding County Council; and in how many of them raw lead glazes have been used in 1955.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Dennis Vosper)In the last session there were some 30 classes in 14 colleges or institutes. Two of these classes used raw lead glazes and one of these has now ceased to do so.
§ Dr. BroughtonIn thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he can give an assurance that as a result of the representations made to his right hon. Friend by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Dr. Stross) about the use of raw lead glazes in pottery classes throughout the country, and as a result of the Minister's instructions to education authorities, there is now no danger of lead poisoning occurring among the students in these classes?
§ Mr. VosperYes, Sir, I can give that assurance. My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour has agreed the exemption which applies to advanced classes working under close supervision. The hon. Member can be assured that there is now no danger.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodHow far does the hon. Gentleman reconcile the help which his right hon. Friend is professing to give to the pottery industry with the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, through his Purchase Tax policy, is making the position of the artist or craftsman potter completely impossible?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat does not arise on this Question.