HC Deb 28 January 1958 vol 581 cc186-7
18. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made for the tenancy and effective use of the existing factory at Penygroes, Caernarvonshire; and when work will start on the building of the second factory approved for the site.

Sir D. Eccles

I am informed that the new tenants of the existing factory are taking over immediately, in order to begin the training of workers for the second factory which is to be built for them. Tenders for the construction of the second factory are returnable by the end of this month, and it is hoped that the building contract will be placed during February.

Mr. Roberts

Might I ask that every possible inducement and assistance be given to the firm that is coming into this district, a district that has the highest average unemployment in the whole of Great Britain? For the same reason, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give special consideration to the possibility of having local firms, particularly contractors, to do the work of building and equipping the new factory he mentions?

Sir D. Eccles

I am very glad that these arrangements have at last been made, largely, I understand, as a result of conciliation by the Minister of State for Welsh Affairs. I will look into the point about the local contractors.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In view of the increasing concern in more than one part of Wales about increasing unemployment, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the powers he now has in relation to Government policy are adequate to meet the need for new industries in Carmarthenshire, Caernarvonshire and elsewhere?

Sir D. Eccles

We have the powers, but that is not to say that we are always able to get an employer to go there.