§ 3 and 5. Mr. George Hallasked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of new works established in South Wales by the Government and private enterprise during the past five years; and whether there is any promise of other works in the near future;
(2) whether, in view of the still high percentage of unemployment in South Wales, with the present falling off of trade in the coalfields, the Government are considering the setting up of more new industries in that area?
§ 16. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government are considering the establishment of additional works in South Wales; and, if so, whether particular consideration will be given to the claims of Merthyr Tydfil?
§ Mr. E. BrownNine factories or other establishments have been, or are being, erected, by or on behalf of the Government in South Wales, in connection with the rearmament programme, and it has been decided to establish two further munitions factories, one in Merthyr Tydfil and the other in the Pembrey area. Between 1933–37, inclusive, 20 new works and seven extensions to existing works were opened by private enterprise. These include two factories which were erected on the Treforest Trading Estate. Since the end of 1937 five further factories have been completed and at the present moment 23 are in course of construction or planned to meet definite requirements on the Trading Estate and elsewhere under facilities available through the commissioner. I have no information about factories erected entirely by private enterprise since the end of 1937.
§ Mr. HallArising out of that statement, which will be much appreciated in the districts where the new factories are to be established, can the right hon. Gentleman inform us of the nature of the works there and the probable number of men who will be employed?
§ Mr. BrownI cannot give the probable number of men, but the factory at Merthyr Tydfil will be somewhat similar to the one being erected at Mossend in Lanarkshire, and the one at Pembrey is 1282 in addition to the T.N.T. factory already established there.
§ Mr. HallWill the right hon. Gentleman meet representatives from the areas concerned and Members of Parliament, so that other details can be given to them after the holidays?
§ Mr. James GriffithsWill the Pembrey factory which has now been announced be in addition to the factory which was announced six weeks ago?
§ Mr. WiseIs my right hon. Friend aware of the very real appreciation felt on all sides for this step towards the rehabilitation of South Wales, and will he take note of the hope that it is only the forerunner of many others?