§ 14. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour whether the Commissioner of the Special Areas has considered the representations of the Maesteg Urban District Council for new industries in the Maesteg Valley to help the large number of unemployed persons; and what he proposes to do in the matter?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am in communication with the Commissioner and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs it not the case that the Commissioner is concentrating largely upon filling the Treforest estate and neglecting other places like Maesteg and depressed areas in the valley?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member could not expect me to accept that statement. He will understand that the presence of a trading estate is a great magnet which must tend to help a particular area.
§ Mr. WilliamsSurely the Minister will agree that it should not work to the disadvantage of other depressed areas where there is substantial unemployment?
§ Mr. George GriffithsWill the Minister bear in mind some depressed areas outside these valleys—in South Yorkshire?
§ Mr. BrownI have them constantly in mind. The hon. Member often reminds me of them, as did his colleague the Member for Barnsley (Mr. Collindridge) the other day.