HC Deb 02 July 1941 vol 372 cc1371-2W
Sir W. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether any report has been issued by the Area Board for South Wales; what action have they taken with the schemes submitted to them by the Pontardawe Rural District Council and the Neath Rural District Council many months ago; and whether they have made any surveys in these areas, or what other action they have taken in this matter?

Mr. Bevin

The Regional Board for Wales reported fully on 20th January on "the utilisation for war production of idle or partially idle works and other premises in West Wales" and a copy of this report was sent to my hon. Friend. Since that time a Directorate of Factory and Storage Premises has been set up and the register of buildings compiled by the Board was passed on to the Regional Controller of Factory and Storage Premises. There has thus been a thorough survey of the facilities available in the various districts of West Wales, and in this connection full consideration has been given to the list of premises submitted by the Pontardawe and Neath Rural District Councils. None of these premises was found to be suitable for use as war factories though some might be useful for other purposes. I am writing more fully to my hon. Friend in regard to the action taken by the Regional Board.