47 and 49. Mr. Daggerasked (1) the Minister of Production whether he has considered a communication from the Abertillery Chamber of Trade regarding the establishment of suitable industries in the area covered by that organisation; and the nature of his reply;
(2) the Minister of Supply whether he has considered the letter received from the Abertillery Chamber of Trade regarding the location of industries; and the nature of his reply?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have been asked to reply to both these Questions. The Abertillery Chamber of Trade were inforrned in reply to their communications that their suggestion would be considered. I may add that while the existing public services would admit of the establishment of further industries, the premises at present available are small and unsuitable, and the narrowness of the valley greatly restricts the possibility of establishing new factories of any considerable size on fresh sites. In the circumstances I fear there is no prospect of making any special arrangements for the area, but my right hon. Friends would be very happy, to follow up any practical suggestion which took due account of local conditions.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsDoes that answer apply to all the coal valleys in South Wales? Factories are certainly being kept away from them.
§ Sir J. AndersonMy answer is confined to this particular case.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsWill the Minister keep in mind the Hemsworth Division? We have not got anything there.
§ Sir J. AndersonI will bring it to the attention of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. SilkinIs it not a fact that there is a large amount of labour in South Wales which is not at present being utilised?
§ Sir J. AndersonThere is very little labour in that particular valley which is not fully occupied.