HC Deb 12 November 1957 vol 577 cc751-3
7. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the problems which will face the pottery in- dustry when the proposals for the European Free Trade Area come into effect, what steps he proposes to take to enable this industry to become sufficiently modernised to meet world competition.

Sir D. Eccles

The record of the pottery industry since the war has been one of substantial and continuing modernisation. Exports for the year ended 30th September, 1957, were worth nearly £13 million and were more than 44 per cent. of total sales. In general, the industry is equipped to meet world competition.

Mr. Ellis Smith

I very much appreciate that reply. It will be encouraging. Is the President of the Board of Trade satisfied that when this European Free Trade plan comes into being the pottery industry will be in relatively the same position? If not, will he consider a new initiative with a view to stimulating interest in the problem in the indusry?

Sir D. Eccles

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that I am going to Stoke-on-Trent at the beginning of next month, when, no doubt, these matters will be discussed.

9. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to improve the prospects of the industries most likely to be adversely affected by the setting up of a European Free Trade Area.

Sir D. Eccles

It is for every firm to assess the possible effects of the European Free Trade Area on its own products, and to plan how it can best adapt itself to take advantage of the opportunities of a wider market. The services of my Department are available to any firm which needs advice or information.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In view of our economic needs and the seriousness of our position, is it not out of date to leave it to firms? Ought not the Board of Trade to take the initiative by calling together the firms in each industry, to let them consider the problems all together?

Sir D. Eccles

We are consulting each industry through all the trade associations. The hon. Gentleman probably knows that imports of pottery are only 5 per cent. of home production and that the tariff on pottery coming in here does not exceed about 5 per cent. Therefore, the pottery industry is in a very good position to take advantage of the European Free Trade Area.

Sir R. Jennings

Will my right hon. Friend consider issuing a very clear statement upon the effects of this European marketing scheme, because I find that in the country there is a great deal of misunderstanding, and the time has now arrived when my right hon. Friend should come out openly and let us know which industries will be affected and which not?

Sir D. Eccles

I do not think I could do what my hon. Friend wants because it depends upon the managements in the various industries whether they take full advantage of their opportunities or not.

Mr. H. Wilson

Since the Government refuse to publish a White Paper on this, will the right hon. Gentleman commend to his hon. Friend the Member for Hallam (Mr. R. Jennings) the most expert and authoritative document on this subject of the effect on our industries, issued by the Trades Union Congress?