HC Deb 07 August 1947 vol 441 cc1637-9
62. Mr. David Grenfell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the proposed location of the cold strip mill at Llanelly instead of Swansea, he had received the advice of any local authority or any body representative of the tinplate industry; whether he will publish a report stating the recommendation of the Steel Board; and whether he will give full publicity to the technical and sociological issues which arise from the change of the site.

Sir S. Cripps

The Government, in reaching their decision on the location of the cold reduction mill, had the benefit of the advice of the promoters, who were informed of the views of the tinplate industry and who were in close consultation with the local authorities, of the Steel Board who examined the promoters' proposals in great detail, and of the regional officers of the Departments concerned. For the answer to the last two parts of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Peter Freeman) on 30th June by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

Mr. Grenfell

In view of the general dissatisfaction throughout the whole of that area and of the complete ignorance of all responsible people about the lines upon which this investigation was pursued, and the fact that four Parliamentary constituencies with four Members of Parliament are in complete ignorance about this, will the Minister adopt his own precedent of setting up a working party which will make full investigations? In that way the Government and the pub-lice would know the ground upon which this site has been abandoned and a much more expensive, totally prohibitive site has been substituted in its place.

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir. I have had the advantage of meeting, I think, three deputations to which the hon. Member was a party, and the whole matter has been thoroughly explored and explained.

Mr. Grenfell

I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the people in the whole of this district want this thing publicly examined. The electors of the area which I represent demand that I should do my duty in this House. Can I get some opportunity of putting this case, Sir, in order that the House may hear this public grievance ventilated in its right dimensions?

Sir S. Cripps

I do not think that that is a matter for me, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Grenfell

Can you advise me today, Mr. Speaker? I do not want to be confined to the Adjournment. Can I get some proper opportunity in the House? Can you, Sir, ask for a sign from the House? Would you ask hon. Members to stand up to see what number will support us in the constitutional demand we are making upon this House?

Mr. Peter Thorneyeroft

Does the President of the Board of Trade realise, from the questions which have been asked, the kind of pressure which will be brought upon him if ever the steel industry is nationalised?

Mr. Grenfell

Let me explain to the House that I have tried to bring no political pressure of an unworthy kind upon any Minister. My record in this House ought to defend me in that matter, but I make the assertion that political pressure has been exercised upon the Government.

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that we cannot debate this matter now.

Mr. Grenfell

Will you give us a chance, Sir? Can we not debate this subject? I promise you, Mr. Speaker, that I shall not rest—I have the utmost respect for you, Sir, but I shall not allow a thing like this to pass—until I have exerted every ounce of energy and strength that I have.

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that it is not within my province to give time.

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