§ Mr. Ellis Smith87, 88 and 89. asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if it is yet intended to release decorated pottery for sale on the home market; and what arrangements are to be made;
(2) to what extent it is intended to increase the output of pottery; and what action is being taken to increase manpower;
(3) if his consultations with the representative organisation of the pottery industry have been concluded; and if he will make a full statement.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftIn view of the recent decline in overseas markets I have decided to allow some decorated pottery 77W to be sold on the home market during the next six months, in addition to export rejects and frustrated exports. The broad effect will be to treble the amount of decorated pottery previously available. Supplies will therefore be easier and price control will shortly be removed from decorated pottery.
This respite from previous restrictions is necessary to avoid unemployment in the industry and to help the industry prepare itself in changing conditions for a renewed export drive. The need for exports is such that I do not think it would be in the national interest to remove control altogether from the sale of decorated pottery on the home market. Indeed, I propose to review with the industry in three months the measures already taken in the light of export prospects at that time.