§ 14. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement upon the prospects of maintaining full employment during the next 12 months, with particular reference to prospects in Wales.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThere are at present no indications that employment generally in Great Britain or in Wales is likely to fall below a satisfactory level in the coming year.
§ Mr. GowerDoes my right hon. and learned Friend realise that in Wales, in particular, opinion on employment is very sensitive, and that even the closing of a single factory causes a disproportionate amount of discussion?
§ Mr. D. JonesWill the Minister take into account the fact that, in the next few months, the locomotive engine shops 2485 at Barry and Caerphilly are likely to be deprived of work as a result of the decision of the Transport Commission to put out to tender to private firms the building of 141 new diesel units for use experimentally on the railways? That will probably lead in the next year to a degree of unemployment in the Caerphilly and Barry shops?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for bringing that to my notice. I will look into it.