HC Deb 29 November 1938 vol 342 cc249-50
62. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Labour the number of trading estates, where situated, cost of establishment, number of factories erected on them, arid the number of men, women, boys, and girls employed in these factories?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

Two trading estates have been established in the Special Areas in England and Wales, one at Treforest and the other in the Team Valley, Gateshead. The answer to the second part of the question involves a table of figures and I propose, if I may, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Viscountess Astor

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether it is the case that in some of the factories, and particularly one near Pontypridd, they are employing young girls instead of married men who are out of work?

Mr. Brown

If the Noble Lady sees ail the figures, I think she will find that there is a very different story.

Following is the table:

Treforest. Team Valley.
Advances to Trading Estates Companies £763,000 £1,460,000
Factories occupied 27 83
Additional factories erected or in course of construction for tenants 27 24
Number of persons employed on 31st October, 1938, in the factories 720 1,603
Details of Personnel.
Treforest. Team Valley.
Men 18 years and upwards 349 585
Women 18 years and upwards 128 342
Boys under 18 years 101 133
Girls under 18 years 142 416
Total 720 1,476*
*This total and the corresponding details relate to 30th September, 1938, the latest date for which the details are available in respect of the Team Valley Estate.