§ 23. Mr. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what efforts he has made to find a new tenant for the Teddington factory, Merthyr Tydfil; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI have satisfied myself that the factory has been and will continue to be brought to the attention of industrialists seeking premises in Wales. I understand that since the premises became available they have been visited by 18 five firms seeking additional production space.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe right hon. and learned Gentleman may have satisfied himself, but we in Merthyr Tydfil are not satisfied because this factory remains empty. Does he realise that hundreds of people who worked in this factory for 20 years or more have been thrown on the scrap heap and have remained unemployed or have had to take jobs which require far less skill? Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman taken any new initiatives to find a new tenant for this fine factory which housed one of Merthyr Tydfil's stable industries?
§ Mr. ThomasI agree with the hon. Gentleman that this is a fine factory. I am satisfied that the Department of Trade and Industry is doing its best to find a new occupant. It is, of course, primarily a matter for that Department. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, my responsibility is one of oversight, and I have been and am discharging that responsibility.