HC Deb 07 April 1943 vol 388 cc632-3W
Sir A. Baillie

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is taking any steps to encourage the revival or replacement of village light industries?

Mr. Hudson

Encouragement and assistance to the light industries normally carried on in the countryside are afforded by the rural industries bureau which, since 1921, has provided an intelligence and advisory service operating in association with the county rural community councils. The bureau is financed wholly from Government funds, and grants are also made in assistance of the work of the rural community councils. During the war activities have been directed, by agreement with the Government, mainly to the instruction of rural blacksmiths in modern methods and of rural potteries in the production of agricultural drainpipes.