HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 c919
5. Sir William Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the increased number of persons un employed in the Pontardawe area who have been thrown idle at the Gilbertson works and also by the Tirbach Colliery, Ystalyfera, being on stop; and will he cause inquiries to be made and see if anything can be done to get a resumption of work at an early date?

Mr. E. Brown

As regards the tinplate works at Pontardawe, I cannot add anything to the information I have already given to the hon. Member. My hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines is, I understand, making inquiries to see whether anything can be done with regard to the Tirbach Colliery.

Sir W. Jenkins

Is it a fact that the Gilbertson steel mills at Pontardawe are idle because of the lack of coal?

Mr. Brown

I was not aware of that. In the correspondence that I have had on the subject, that point has not been put to me.

Sir W. Jenkins

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, in order to see whether that is so?

Mr. Brown

That is a point for my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines.