HC Deb 11 June 1973 vol 857 cc973-5
9. Mr. Michael Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the employment problems that will arise in Cardiff from the proposed closure of East Moors works.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I have received and studied the interim report by the task force. As I have already told hon. Members, the Government's views will be announced as soon as possible after the final report is available.

Mr. Roberts

While Cardiff is an intermediate development area, it has a greater unemployment rate than many development areas. Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the proposed closure of East Moors steelworks gives a strong case for granting Cardiff full development area status?

Mr. Peter Thomas

As my hon. Friend knows, the status of assisted areas was reviewed last year and the Government decided to make no change affecting Cardiff. But I am fully aware of the importance attached to development area status by Cardiff. The task force has received substantial evidence on this and will no doubt take it into account when making its recommendations.

Mr. George Thomas

In view of the deep anxiety in Cardiff, with its present heavy unemployment problem and the threat of mounting figures, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman reconsider his attitude towards a debate on the future of the steel industry in Wales being held in the Welsh Grand Committee? He is reluctant to allow us to discuss this matter. Will he now give an undertaking that we can discuss it at the next meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The subject for the Welsh Grand Committee is organised through the usual channels. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, both this House and the Welsh Grand Committee have had many opportunities to discuss the problems of the steel industry and, indeed, the unemployment problem in Wales.

Mr. George Thomas

That is just not good enough. Wales is faced with a very major problem, and, since 29 of the 36 Members for Wales sit on this side of the House, surely the right hon. and learned Gentleman will agree that we must have an opportunity to discuss this major issue at the next meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I do not think that negotiations for the subject of the next meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee can appropriately be conducted at Question Time.