HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1075-6
29. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement on the future of the Air Ministry Maintenance Unit (No. 31) at Llanberis and Llandwrog, Caernarvon-shire, particularly in respect of prospects of civilian employment.

Mr. Ward

As I think the hon. Member knows, the Maintenance Unit at Llanberis is being closed down. I am glad to say, however, that we shall be able to find work for most of these men at Llandwrog, which will remain open for another two years or so.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware that, while I appreciate the concessions which he personally has made to the district, the fact remains that 420 men will in due course become redundant in a district where there is absolutely no other alternative source of employment? Will he press the Board of Trade to act to secure industrial tenants for these excellent and very expensive buildings which we have in Llanberis?

Mr. Ward

Yes, Sir. I have in the past expressed our regret that it was necessary to take these decisions, and I have also told the House the reasons which impelled us to take them. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade said yesterday that he would do all he could to find an industrial use for these buildings.