HC Deb 19 May 1966 vol 728 cc1540-1
47. Mr. Abse

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the programme of advance factories announced to be built in South Wales and the present employment opportunities known to become available do not meet the need for employment caused by changes in the mining and steel industries and what further action he intends taking to stimulate creation of the 65,000 new jobs required within the next five years.

Mr. Jay

The programme of seven advance factories of 130,000 sq. ft. which I announced on 9th May is only one of the measures being taken to create alternative employment opportunities in South Wales. I shall continue to use my powers under the Local Employment Acts to assist the provision of new employment in the area.

Mr. Abse

Is my right hon. Friend aware that well-informed opinion in South Wales believes that there is a yawning gap between the expected jobs as at this time, including those provided by the advance factories, and those coming into existence as a result of the drift from mining and the fact that we have a high-cost mining area threatened by low-cost fuel? Would my right hon. Friend give a clear pronouncement on what could be done?

Mr. Jay

I have gone into these facts and figures very closely on the spot, as my hon. Friend knows. I think that his anxieties are exaggerated, but if he should prove correct we shall take further action.

Mr. Bob Brown

In view of the fact that there are publicly-owned factories awaiting tenants, would not my right hon. Friend agree that it is high time that publicly-owned industries filled them?

Mr. Jay

There are, I am happy to say, very few factories awaiting tenants in South Wales or elsewhere.