§ 75. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware 165W that a large number of men are rendered unemployed at a works manufacturing agricultural machinery at Merthyr Tydfil because of the shortage of steel and other materials; that the number of unemployed persons in that area is increasing and is now about 2,300; and to what extent the Distribution of Industry Act, relating to development areas, has been suspended as the result of Government policy.
§ Mr. BelcherI am aware that over 100 men, out of a total labour force of between 700 and 800 employed by the firm in question, have had to be temporarily discharged owing to shortages of particular types of steel. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, with the assistance of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, is doing everything he can to assist the firm. I am also aware that a slight increase in the number of persons unemployed was recorded in the district at the October count. This was the first increase for some months, but developments there should more than absorb those currently unemployed. The reply to the last part of the Question is "None."