HC Deb 10 July 1972 vol 840 c1167
19. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will pay an early visit to Penygroes, Caernarvonshire, to discuss local questions with the local authorities.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I have no immediate plans to visit Penygroes, but I will bear the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion in mind.

Mr. Roberts

I thank the Secretary of State for his reply. Everyone in Caernarvonshire hopes that he will take an early opportunity to visit this important centre of the former slate industry in Wales and that, when he visits the township, he will bring with him hope for early occupancy by a suitable tenant of the excellent factory in Penygroes that has been standing idle for two years?

Mr. Thomas

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that occupancy of that factory in Penygroes would probably transform that situation there. As he knows, a complete renovation of the factory has recently been carried out at a cost of £44,000, which should make it more attractive to prospective occupants. I assure him that the factory is being brought to the attention of industrialists by the Department of Trade and Industry.