§ 94. Mr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the committee which reported, some months ago, on conditions in the china clay industry.
§ Mr. Belcher:As my hon. Friend aware, this Committee made certain recommendations with regard to short term problems and also proposed that a working party should be set up to handle long term problems. The appointment of the China Clay Working Party was announced on 30th April and they have had their first meeting.
The position on the short-term matters is as follows:
Labour.—Since the beginning of the year, the labour force in the industry has been increased by 215 workers. The first batch of 150 German prisoners of war should arrive during this month and I hope that at least another 150 will be available in June. Class B releases for 107 men who are all that can be obtained by this means have been applied for.
Timber, Machinery, Filter Cloths an Fuel for drying clay.—The appropriate Departments and Controls have been given particulars of the full needs of the industry and are doing everything they can to speed up supplies. The Ministry of Food have been making arrangements with the producers to provide better food for the workers in the middle of the day.