HC Deb 01 March 1971 vol 812 cc1211-3
23. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to pay an official visit to the slate quarrying areas of North Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I shall be pleased to do so when an opportunity presents itself.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Is the Secretary of State aware that his Answer is most disappointing and that the unemployment problem in these areas is extremely serious and getting worse every week? Is he further aware that since I put down this Question yet another quarry has been scheduled for closure in Caernarvonshire, apparently without hope of its reopening? Will he reconsider his answer and assure my people that he will visit these desperate areas at an early date to discuss with the local authorities and both sides of industry, as well as with the local M.P., the future of these areas, because that is what is in the balance?

Mr. Peter Thomas

Certainly I shall be pleased to do so. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I have visited the area and have had discussions with the local authority. I am aware of the problem in the slate quarrying areas of North Wales. I remember that when I came to this House there were 4,000 employed in the quarrying areas; when I came back to the House in 1966 there were fewer than 500 employed. I certainly appreciate the problem, and I should like to see extra employment facilities in the whole of Wales. I shall do my best to see that there are such facilities.

Mr. William Edwards

As we are all aware that the Secretary of State is fully conversant with the special problems of the slate quarrying areas, will he not accept that over a large area of North Wales, including the slate quarrying areas in Caernarvon and Merioneth, there is a problem which qualifies for special development area status? There is 12 per cent. unemployment in one part of my constituency, which is a chronic condition, and the condition of the surrounding environment also requires the special aid which has been given to other parts of the country.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I agree that there are difficult and almost intractable problems to be found in certain parts of North Wales, including Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the rate of unemployment is high indeed. As for the question of special development area status for these areas, this matter was considered and will continue to be considered. It was felt that because of the limited supply of mobile industry, the extra assistance should be focused on those areas where there were substantial numbers of unemployed as well as a high percentage rate of unemployment.

Sir A. Meyer

Will my right hon. and learned Friend inquire of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Oswestry has that requires it to act as a magnet for industry which might otherwise travel further into Wales?

Mr. Peter Thomas

There were special considerations in regard to Oswestry which required that assistance should be given. It was upgraded to intermediate status.