To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the future employment potential of the ceramic industry in north Staffordshire. [33224]

As with any other, the prospects for this sector—including employment—depend on the strength of its international competitiveness. The Department is working with the sector on competitiveness through initiatives such as a tableware strategy group, a manufacturing improvement club and regular discussions with the British Ceramics Confederation on a range of other issues which affect its future prospects.