§ 24. Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Messrs. Richard Thomas and Company, Limited, of Swansea, intend to proceed with their plans to erect a new strip mill at Irthlingborough, which is causing grave, concern as to the future prospects of the tinplate industry in Llanelly and district, which provides employment for many thousands of workmen; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent this company from destroying the economic life of a large community?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have seen reports in the Press regarding the programme of future development said to be under consideration by the company to which the hon. Member refers. I do not gather from those reports that that programme is calculated to have the effect suggested in the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the chambers of commerce and all the councils in the area believe that it will have a very bad effect, and has he not received representations of that kind?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am quite well aware that the moving of an industry or a portion of an industry from one district to another may have some detrimental effects, but I had pleasure in reading in the speech referred to in the question that the speaker said that the existing works in South Wales would remain in operation for many years.
§ Mr. DAVID GRENFELLIn view of the variations in the speech of this gentleman, would not the right hon. Gentleman suggest that some understanding should be arrived at so that apprehensions may be brought immediately to an end?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I have had representations from time to time, and I am keeping in close touch.