HC Deb 22 October 1984 vol 65 cc427-8
16. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the effect of the miners' strike on the economy of south Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Industry in south Wales generally is continuing to operate without serious disruption. The effect of the miners' strike is primarily on the coal industry itself and related businesses.

Mr. Grist

Does my right hon. Friend agree that severe effects are now being felt by small businesses, related businesses, local authorities, banks, building societies and others who are not being paid? Does he further agree that there is a danger of there being an image abroad of an unreliable and militant labour force, especially when we are looking for new overseas firms to come to the south Wales coalfield?

Mr. Edwards

I am glad to be able to tell my hon. Friend that, during my recent visit to Japan, I found that all Japanese companies with plants that operate over here clearly understand that the miners' strike has had no effect on their businesses and that the strike is not a true picture of ordinary industrial relations in Britain. It is nevertheless true that the strike is beginning to have an effect on consumption generally and especially on small traders, particularly in mining areas. The strike must be damaging for them and for job prospects in those areas.

Mr. Ron Davies

Does the Secretary of State appreciate that it is because entire communities are threatened that miners in south Wales are determined to fight to win? All the sectors of the community mentioned by the hon. Member for Cardiff, Central (Mr. Grist), such as small businesses, local authorities and social institutions, depend on local employment. If that local employment goes, the community dies. Will the Secretary of State understand that that is at the heart of the mining dispute?

Mr. Edwards

All industries, such as the steel industry, and production industry generally, and our country, depend on being competitive and on having fuel at competitive prices. The strike can only damage the economy if it continues. I am glad, however, that, thanks to the good sense of those involved, the British steel industry continues to produce steel, and that last week at Port Talbot there was a record for one-day production. That is good news in the middle of these difficulties.