HC Deb 25 March 1952 vol 498 cc32-3W
75. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make arrangements so that decorated pottery is made available to all areas and is fairly distributed.

Mr. H. Strauss

Supplies of decorated pottery to the home market are restricted almost entirely to export rejects. The manufacturers try to distribute these supplies as evenly and fairly as possible.

76. and 77. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what action he is taking to find alternative markets in cases where Governments, or organisations, have reduced their importations of pottery;

(2) what action he is taking so that the pottery industry can maintain full production, continue its contribution in the export drive and retain its employees.

Mr. H. Strauss

The difficulties which the recent import restrictions overseas have caused for our pottery industry are at present being discussed with the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation. As the hon. Member is aware, to find alternative markets is not easy, but I am confident that the industry will make every effort to do so and manufacturers can count upon the assistance of the Board of Trade and of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.