HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 cc903-4
17. Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for attracting new industry to South-East Wales in the next five years.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The Government will use the full resources available for regional development, including the Industry Act, for this purpose.

Mr. Kinnock

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that the attraction of new industry has become even more critical because of the threat that is poised over the steel industry in Wales? Which of the rumours circulating in yesterday's newspapers was true—the one to the effect that he and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland were making a valiant fight to safeguard regional steel interests or the one to the effect that they had already lost? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that as the report that give him the most credit was written by dear Miss Nora Beloff we attach the usual degree of authenticity to it?

Mr. Thomas

The hon. Gentleman should not believe rumours which he reads in newspapers. No decision has yet been made by the Government on the proposals put forward by the British Steel Corporation.

Mr. Michael Foot

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware, as I am sure he must be, that the corporation's proposals in regard to Ebbw Vale are totally unacceptable to the people of Ebbw Vale—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That does not arise out of this Question. It might arise out of a later Question.

Mr. Callaghan

I have a question which arises out of this Question, Mr Speaker. Has the Secretary of State been approached by the Rover Company about its proposed redundancies in Car diff during the next few months? Will he undertake to see the company and also representatives of the workers concerned, because this is another blow in addition to the one we fear in connection with East Moors?

Mr. Thomas

I am aware that the Rover Company has announced that there will be added investment in Cardiff which will be an acceptable piece of news for one part of the company's factory. I am aware that there will be redundancies in another part of the factory involving white collar workers. My Department is in close touch with the Department of Trade and Industry about this matter.

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