HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 c1379
23. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department will build factories in advance of demand from individual firms, in South-West and North-West Wales in order to expand employment there.

Sir D. Eccles

In North-West Wales, which is not a Development Area, four factories have been built with the help of the Development Fund, and two further factories are due to be built there.

In South-West Wales there is now vacant industrial property, and I should want evidence that industry could not make use of this property before considering building further factories.

Mr. Jay

Is not the present situation in South-West Wales the worst unemployment crisis that we have had in any part of the country since the war? Does it not call for some exceptional and urgent action by the Board of Trade?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, and that action is being taken. There is now a committee in South-West Wales considering what can be done with the eight—as I believe it is—tinplate mills which have been closed.