§ 48. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Production the reasons for the closing of the Dynevor tinplate works, Pantyffynon, Carmarthenshire; how many tinplate works in West Wales have now been closed; and what steps are being taken to provide alternative employment?
§ The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)I understand the owners of the Dynevor works decided that its production could be more efficiently provided for at their other works in Wales. About 30 tinplate works in West Wales have been closed since the beginning of the war. With regard to the last part of the Question, it is the policy of the Government so far as practicable to locate such new production facilities as are required in districts where labour is available and in accordance with this policy new production will be undertaken in West Wales as opportunity offers.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the fact that this area has already lost thousands of men by transference, is there any immediate prospect of new work being established?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe hon. Member will be aware of the efforts that I am making to locate production in Wales. I am glad to be able to say that one such project, to establish an engineering works, is now in an advanced state of consideration.