asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in establishing a development council for the pottery industry; and what is the cause of the recent delay.

I met representatives of the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation last week to discuss with them proposals which had been put to both sides of the industry in an attempt to reach an agreed solution to this problem. I have since been in touch with the National Society of Pottery Workers and hope that it will shortly be possible to announce a decision.

In view of the need to get the co-operation of both sides of the industry, and the efforts at compromise which have been made, and all the delay already incurred, can we have a firm undertaking that a decision will be reached very soon?

Yes, Sir. I am conscious of the very long delay, due to my efforts to get the co-operation of both sides of the industry. This delay cannot drag on any longer, and following a meeting now being arranged with both sides of the industry I think that all parties will agree that we must come to a decision immediately after it.