25. Mr. Idwal Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade why 10 acres of the Wrexham Industrial Estate are to be sold.
§ Mr. D. PriceBecause it is surplus to Board of Trade requirements.
Mr. JonesIs it not a fact that this land was acquired in the first instance by agreement and at a price very advantageous to the vendor? Is it not also true that the original owners have not taken advantage of the first option being given to them, and does not that relieve the Minister of the necessity of selling this land? Finally, is it not true that there is a very high percentage of unemployment in the Wrexham district, and why does the Minister persist in splintering this industrial estate on which public money has already been spent?
§ Mr. PriceThe Board of Trade still owns over 200 acres of land at Wrexham, and plenty of this land is available for development. There is also a substantial amount of privately-owned industrial land not developed, and the sale of 10 acres would in no way jeopardise possible industrial development at Wrexham.
Mr. JonesIs it the policy of the Minister to sell the estate outright? Is this just part of the general policy of the Minister to sell the estate?