HC Deb 27 May 1946 vol 423 cc124-5W
40. Mr. D. J. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons why so many firms employing high percentages of female labour are allocated to the South Wales development area.

Mr. Belcher

Before 1939 opportunities for industrial employment for women in South Wales were few, and, in order to secure a balanced industrial development in this area, steps have been taken to introduce a number of light industries employing a high percentage of females. Sufficient projects have now been approved to absorb practically the whole of this potential reserve of female labour, and new firms requiring disproportionately large numbers of women workers are no longer to be encouraged.

41. Mr. D. J. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications his Department have received from industrialists for factory space in South Wales; how many Government factories have been allocated; and what steps are being taken to provide additional factory space.

Mr. Belcher

Altogether some 150 manufacturers of all classes have sought particulars of surplus Government factories in South Wales. Twenty surplus factories have been allocated to suitable applicants, including the two Royal Ordnance factories at Hirwaun and Bridgend, which have been converted into trading estates and will accommodate upwards of 90 firms. A substantial programme of further new building has already been approved and I would refer my hon. Friend to a list of new factories under construction in South Wales which I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT On 1st May, 1946.