§ Mr. E. Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the special position of the pottery industry, the carrying on of which does not conflict with the national requirements, does not import or utilise in manufacture any raw material required in the war effort; and will he apply a special policy to the industry or adapt his policy to the industry, having regard to the fact that it can make a great contribution in the export trade?
§ Captain WaterhouseConcentration of the production of the pottery industry is necessary to secure the maximum release of labour for munitions work and 1015W premises for storage and other essential purposes. In applying that policy due weight is being given to the considerations mentioned by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the letters sent out by the Export Council had his approval; why were proposals made that would lead to the complete disorganisation of the pottery business in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, and the wrecking of the selling organisations and the manufacturing plants that cater for export trade; if this action was necessary, why were the firms involved not consulted; and will he reconsider this aspect of the policy;
(2) whether he is aware that, in their determination to increase the export trade, the pottery industry have sent out agents and set up selling organisations in many parts of the world, from which they are now receiving substantial orders; that in other cases, while negotiations were proceeding for an exports credit, an export licence was refused; what is the advice to be given to the industry about agents and selling organisations; and will he consult the whole industry, with a view to arriving at a satisfactory understanding?
§ Captain WaterhouseI assume that the hon. Member refers to the letter on the selection and direction of exports issued by the Industrial and Export Council on 15th March and to the Export of Goods (Control) (No. 6) Order, 1941, which applies licensing procedure to exports to Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia. The letter has my right hon. Friend's complete approval. With the growing intensity of the war, the selection and direction of exports become imperative; as my right hon. Friend explained in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannan) on 4th March, exports to the countries named must be strictly controlled as we can only use materials, productive capacity and labour on manufacture for export if the exports are necessary to secure exchange for the purchase of indispensable goods. I am well aware of the steps taken by the pottery industry to promote exports. Its success has been gratifying and will, I am sure, continue under well-considered direction. I cannot deal with all the points raised by the hon. Member within the scope of an1016W Answer, but the Board will gladly give information and advice to exporters on licensing procedure and export policy.