HC Deb 11 February 1937 vol 320 cc551-2
7. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government, in framing the new legislation to deal with the Special Areas, will bear in mind the recommendation of the late Commissioner that a calcium-carbide factory should be established in South Wales?

Mr. E. Brown

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Griffiths

Is not the Minister aware that the anthracite collieries have, for the past quarter of a century, supplied anthracite to manufacturers in Norway for the production of calcium carbide, and do not the Government appreciate that the appropriate place to establish this factory would be South Wales?

Mr. Brown

That is one of the factors that will be borne in mind.

Mr. Lawson

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that that will be dealt with in new legislation, and can he give the House a guarantee that there will be new legislation for the Special Areas?

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir, there will be new legislation.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Does the Minister not agree that Merthyr Tydvil, rather than the Highlands of Scotland, would be suitable for a factory of this kind?

Mr. Brown

I cannot add to the answer which I have already given.