Member

The home of the ceramic industry in Staffordshire is something that local people in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across the county are very proud of: men and women who have shown their skill, prowess, knowledge and talents since the 17th century. On occasion, Madam Deputy Speaker, we hear the odd speech in this Chamber that reminds us of the 17th century. Recently, I was very lucky to have the opportunity to visit Silverdale Bathrooms, which specialises in the highest quality handmade ceramics and is based in my constituency. The skill to produce the work has been passed down through many generations. The quality of British ceramics is the best in the world and we should not be afraid to claim it, show it off and celebrate it all year round. That is why new clause 1 is so important, notwithstanding my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central confirming that it was more of a probing amendment, intended to get some time with the Minister. That is excellent advice for a new Back Bencher like me, Madam Deputy Speaker, so I shall leave the Chamber to start drafting some of my own probing amendments to the various Bills before Parliament.