HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 cc1333-4
55. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the present number of disabled persons in South Wales will call for the establishment of 15 factories under the Disabled Persons Employment Corporation, Limited; for how many of these factories have arrangements been made; what compulsory powers the corporation at present has to acquire land or buildings; and whether he will arrange for powers to be granted similar to those held by Trading Estates Companies for private persons, and compulsory powers for local authorities, to construct these buildings under the housing or other Acts.

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. On the basis of the present unemployment figures at least 15 factories for severely disabled persons are proposed in South Wales. The Disabled Persons Employment Corporation has already opened one factory in South Wales and has acquired four other sites on which building operations will start in the near future. In eight further cases suitable sites have been found and negotiations are proceeding for their acquisition. In the two remaining cases the search for suitable buildings or sites is proceeding. The corporation at present has no compulsory powers to acquire land or buildings. I am advised that such powers as exist otherwise would not be appropriate in order to acquire land for the purposes of the corporation and to grant such powers would therefore involve the introduction of new legislation.

Mr. Freeman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that private individuals engaged in essential work can have land requisitioned for them, secure priority in men, materials and equipment and obtain a factory built by a Government trading estate and provided by public funds; but for these men, who have been in the Forces and have suffered serious disability in battle, there are no such compulsory facilities; that his officers are now going cap in hand to private landowners to try to obtain land, hoping to secure the help and advice of local authorities, and then persuade private builders to put up a factory; and does he not regard this as a most unsatisfactory position?

Mr. Isaacs

For such part of that information of which I was not aware before I thank my hon. Friend, but that part of his question in regard to powers for private individuals is not correct