§ 1. Mr. Allan Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he plans next to meet the Wales Trades Union Congress to discuss the steel industry.
§ 8. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales when next he proposes to meet leaders of the Wales Trades Union Congress.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and I will be meeting representatives of the Wales Trades Union Congress on 25 February.
§ Mr. RobertsWhen the Secretary of State meets the Wales TUC, will he explain to it why the Conservative Party in Wales is still extolling the virtues of owner-occupation when, at a stroke, by closing down the steel industry in whole areas of Wales the Government have destroyed what stake owner-occupiers had in their country?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not believe that it is of any help to owner-occupiers to continue to support an industry which cannot compete in world markets.
§ Mr. Barry JonesDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the loss of 7,500 jobs in four months in my constituency poses a real strain on the social fabric of the area as well as on the local economy? What hope of new jobs can he offer in the imminent near future? Will he take time to examine the underrated, unsung and vulnerable textile industry in my constituency, where 4,000 jobs have been lost in a decade, and in which Deeside Mill is at risk, involving 500 jobs?
§ Mr. EdwardsI agree with the hon. Gentleman about the strains and difficulties that these events create and by the announcement of measures of assistance the Government have indicated that they will do everything in their power to create the infrastructure to attract fresh industry. There have been other announcements, concerning the titanium plant and the coal research project, which 3 I hope will prove helpful. I shall consider what the hon. Gentleman has said about the textile situation to see whether more can be done.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerWhen my hon. Friend meets the Wales TUC, will he invite it to condemn not merely the use of force by pickets but the use of intimidation as a weapon?
§ Mr. EdwardsI think that it would perhaps be best to refer the Wales TUC to the White Paper issued by the previous Government, following consultation with the TUC, in which these practices were condemned and a clear statement was made by the TUC that it would support measures to uphold the law.
§ Mr. Roy HughesWill the right hon. gentleman appreciate that this is not a kid-glove affair? A serious situation exists throughout the steel and coal industries in South Wales. The right hon. Gentleman can be assured of a warm welcome when he meets the Wales TUC, but will he meanwhile, prevail upon the Secretary of State for Industry to intervene in the dispute?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation. That is why, at a time when the Government are engaged in a round of difficult public expenditure cuts, we have thought it right to make a substantial sum of money available for remedial measures in the area.
§ Mr. Alec JonesHas the Secretary of State seen the article in The Times today which refers to an estimate by the Manpower Services Commission of 2 million unemployed in the United Kingdom next year? When the right hon. Gentleman meets the Wales TUC, will he disclose to it how many Welshmen and Welshwomen will be part of that 2 million? Above all, will he disclose what steps he intends to take to solve the problems associated with the rundown in the steel and coal industries? His Micawber-like attitude of waiting for something to turn up is proving disastrous for the people of Wales.
§ Mr. EdwardsOf course I shall discuss these matters with the Wales TUC. That is why we have invited it to come and see us. I shall listen to any constructive proposals that it has to make.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This matter comes up again.