§ 44. Mr. David Thomasasked the Minister of Labour if any special steps are contemplated to deal with the problem of resettling severely disabled unemployed persons in South Wales.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. The Disabled Persons Employment Corporation has opened Remploy factories at Bridgend, Swansea and Treforest. Similar factories, at Blackwood, Tonyrefail, Treorchy, another place, beginning with Y—Ystradgynlais—Merthyr, Brynamman and Porth should be open by the end of the year and a further seven as soon as practicable thereafter. A homeworking scheme is based on the Bridgend factory and similar schemes will be developed from other factories.
§ Mr. George ThomasIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that he will be able to absorb the greater proportion of the severely disabled persons from South Wales within the next 12 months?
§ Mr. IsaacsI would not like to give a positive answer, but I can say that, for the purpose of collecting the rather scattered units in this area, we have now appointed a committee consisting of the chairmen of the local disabled persons 1009 employment advisory committees, with representatives of the British Legion and employers of workers, to co-ordinate the whole of the work and bring about more drive.
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesIs not the fact that the Minister is completely unable to pronounce Welsh names an indication that a Minister for Wales is required?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. It is only an indication of the little pity which other hon. Members should have for a poor Cockney Minister.
§ Mr. Peter FreemanIf my right hon. Friend is unable to provide permanent factories as a result of this scheme, would he consider taking over existing temporary buildings so that they may be utilised to provide these facilities?
§ Mr. IsaacsIt is impossible, in answer to a supplementary question, to give further details, but we are already doing what the hon. Member has asked. I can assure him that we are most anxious to see that these scattered elements in this area are brought together and cared for.