§ Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Labour what is his latest information about the decline in the labour force and the extent of short-time working in the pottery industry compared with a year ago.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe number employed in the manufacture of china and earthenware fell in the year ended August, 1956, from 76,700 to 70,200. In the same period the number working short-time, according to returns received from employers, rose from 310 to 8,872. Reports from my local offices indicate some decrease in short-time working between the end of August and the middle of October. The number employed at the end of September will be known in a few days' time, and I will let the hon. Member have this information when it is available.