§ 2. Mr. William Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make an official visit to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI have no immediate plans to visit Blaenau Ffestiniog. But I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind when an opportunity occurs of doing so.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Secretary of State's reluctance to come to Blaenau Ffestiniog due to the fact that the Conservative candidate at the last election promised that his Government would give special assistance to that community? Is he unwilling to come to Blaenau Ffestiniog because he does not have such special assistance to give?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNo, I am certainly never reluctant to come to Blaenau Ffestiniog. I am always very pleased to visit the place. I know it very well indeed. Officials of the Welsh Office and the Department of Trade and Industry went to Blaenau Ffestiniog in February, at my request, had a meeting with the full council, and gave me a report which I found very useful. The hon. Gentleman will remember that at the last Welsh Grand Committee meeting I referred specifically to Blaenau Ffestiniog. He will be happy to know that work is to commence today on the construction of the 10,000 sq. ft. factory which I mentioned on that occasion. I hope that the factory will be ready for occupation by the end of the year.