§ 3. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Supply the reasons, together with the relative figures as to costs, etc., for the acceptance of the recommendations of the Steel Company of Wales, Ltd., that the new cold-rolled steel plant should be placed at Margam instead of 3 Newport; and whether he will recommend that the existing plant, which has been satisfactorily operated there for many years, be left at Newport until all new American machines have been installed and prove more effective.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussIn reaching their decision the Government had regard not only to the cost factor of this project, but also to the many others involved, technical and social, to which they gave the most careful consideration. I regret that it would not be possible to set out these factors within the ambit of an answer to a Parliamentary Question. The suggestion made in the second part of the Question would not be practicable.
§ Mr. FreemanIn that case, will my right hon. Friend issue a statement which would allay same of the apprehension naturally felt in Newport, and which would cover all these points, even if they cannot be answered in answer to a Parliamentary Question?
§ Mr. StraussA fairly full statement was made during a recent Debate, when the matter was discussed in the House, but if my hon. Friend would like any further information, I will readily discuss the matter with him.
§ Mr. FreemanWhen the new plant is moved, will my right hon. Friend consider allocating other alternative work on cold-rolled steel sheets, in order that there may not be unemployment in the area as a result of this decision?
§ Mr. StraussThe Government are taking action in various directions to ensure, as far as possible, that there is no unemployment resulting from the change in Newport. I have every reason to believe that the Government's proposals will be successful.