HC Deb 21 October 1937 vol 327 cc5-6
7. Mr. A. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour the number of new industries established in the special area of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and the total number of persons employed in those industries?

Mr. E. Brown

There have been within the past few years a number of developments in the South Wales area, but exact information as to the numbers of persons employed in these developments is not available. Recently, however, following the establishment of the Treforest Trading Estate in December, 1936, and the passage of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, in May of this year, there have been important developments which are expected to give substantial new employment in the area. On the Treforest Trading Estate tenants have already been obtained for 17 new factories; three tenants are now in occupation and 13 are awaiting the completion of the factory premises. In addition, arrangements, made possible by the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, are practically completed for the establishment of six new industries in other parts of the Special Area, and information has been received of three other industries which have been established independently. It is estimated that these undertakings will provide direct employment for nearly 3,000 workpeople.

Mr. E. J. Williams

Is the Minister aware that labour is now being imported into South Wales, particularly into Bridgend, while there are an enormous number of unemployed there; and cannot he stop it?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Gentleman desires information about that matter, perhaps he will put down a question, or communicate with me?

Mr. J. Griffiths

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any site companies have yet been set up under the last Special Areas (Amendment) Act?

Mr. Brown

Not in South Wales.

Mr. Lawson

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the White Paper issued by the Board of Trade on this matter, which shows that factories are being established almost wholly in the South, and that the trading estates are not touching the edge of this problem?

Mr. Brown

I cannot debate that question now, but trading estates are making a great contribution, as the hon. Gentleman well knows, in his own division.