§ Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to provide alternative employment for the miners of the South Wales coalfield, in view of the fact that nearly one-half of that coalfield will be closed down in the near future.
§ Mr. JayAll the areas in South Wales likely to be seriously affected by colliery closures are now development districts and I shall make full use of my powers under the Local Employment Acts to encourage industrial development in these areas. I have recently announced my intention to build six advance factories in South Wales and officials are examining with the National Coal Board the possibility of converting to alternative industrial use colliery buildings which will no longer be required.