HC Deb 03 December 1946 vol 431 cc42-3W
Mr. A. Edward Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many pottery firms are now in production in Stoke-on-Trent; how the figures compare with 1938; and what factories are still under requisition.

Mr. Belcher

One hundred and sixty-four licences to manufacture domestic pottery are held by about 150 separate firms in Stoke-on-Trent. I regret that no comparable figures are available for 1938, but there are only 14 potteries in this area still under requisition. Of these, two are due for release by the end of the year. The sanitary ware and glazed tile industries are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, and electrical porcelain is dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.