§ 27. Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Minister of Works when the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Welsh slate industry will be published; and what action he proposes to take on its recommendations.
§ Mr. KeyThe Report has been published today. A number of useful recommendations directed to the increase of the labour force and improvement of the conditions and amenities of the industry have been made, and are being followed up by my Ministry, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Fuel and Power. Restrictions previously imposed on the use of slates in order to meet the requirements of war damage repair have now been removed in Wales, and within 75 miles of the main quarry centres. I propose to investigate further the plant and machinery requirements of the industry, the possibility of obtaining more machinery and of putting it to better use. Proposals for financial assistance require very careful consideration, especially in view of the development in recent years of alternative and cheaper roofing materials, and I could not enter into any commitments at this stage. I propose to arrange for the Report, and especially its financial implications, to be discussed as soon as possible with leaders of the industry.