§ Sir G. Gibsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Export Council has taken the opportunity of organising refugee diamond cutters from Holland and Belgium to train and work with British craftsmen so as to extend the British diamond cutting industry without delay, with the object of exporting finished stones for sale in America, and to build up a post-war export trade in costly mounted jewellery?
§ Mr. JohnstoneEvery effort is being made to organise the refugee diamond cutters of Holland and Belgium in order to extend the diamond cutting industry and so increase our export trade. At least eight factories are in operation, engaging approximately 100 workers and a larger factory will be started shortly which should at least double the present output and engage a further 100 refugee specialists. British craftsmen are already employed and apprentices will be trained. The Government is giving every support to the promotion of this industry.