§ 29. Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the ceramics industry. [557]
§ Mr. Greg KnightThe UK ceramics industry has a distinguished history of achievement both at home and overseas and is rightly recognised as a world-wide centre of excellence for materials and technology.
However, a changing world environment and intensified competition pose new challenges which must be overcome if the UK is to improve and maintain its performance. To this end, the Government are working in partnership with the sector via channels such as the tableware strategy group to address specific competitiveness issues crucial in maintaining and building on the success of the industry.