§ 16. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the period 1932 to 1936 25 new factories were established in this country for the production of canned foodstuffs; that of these 19 are located in the southern and south-eastern areas of England; that most of the tinplate used at these factories is produced in South Wales yet not one factory was established in that area; and, in view of the fact that the tinplate is produced in South Wales and has to be transported for distances varying from 200 to 300 miles to the canning factories, whether he will consult with the Commissioner for the Special Areas to ascertain what steps can be taken to secure that any new factories built will be established in South Wales?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have already been in consultation with the Commissioner for Special Areas about the possibility of his assisting the establishment of canning factories in South Wales, but I feel bound to point out that apart from such considerations as the cost of transport it is often essential that the canning should take place near where the perishable goods are produced.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the prospect that this industry will continue to increase will the right hon. Gentleman have consultations to see whether it is possible to induce some of these new factories to come into the area?
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Special Commissioner reported six months ago that the planting of these factories in these areas had stopped?