§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour how many workers are likely to become redundant when the old tin-plate mills in West Wales are closed down; how many it is estimated will be 25W able to get employment in the new plants at Margam, Trostie and Velindre; and how many will need other employment.
§ Mr. WatkinsonFuture estimates are necessarily tentative, but it is expected that when the present modernisation schemes in west South Wales are completed, some 10,000 workers in the hand tinplate and steel sheet mills, and the associated steel bar mills will become redundant. Of this total, it is expected that the new plants when all are in full operation will absorb about 3,500 workers, and the remaining 6,500 will need to be placed in other employment.
§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour how many Italian workers are employed in the steel and tinplate industry in West Wales; and whether, when the old mills are closed, he proposes to return these people to Italy or offer them other employment in this country.
§ Mr. WatkinsonApproximately 500. The contracts provide for repatriation when the employment is terminated on redundancy. Italians not wishing to return home may be considered for other important work for which British subjects are not available.