§ Sir W. Jenkinsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply what number of tin and sheet mills, steel and copper works have been closed within the last seven years in the Neath Borough, Neath Rural District Council and Pont-ardawe Rural District Council areas; how many idle works have been utilised for any Government requirements during the period of the present war; is any active investigation being made by his Department to avoid further derelict areas; and are there any reports issued by his Department of their findings for West Wales?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanFifteen sheet mills have been closed during this period1520W at three works and 59 tinplate mills have been closed at 11 works. Ten of the closed tinplate works and one sheet works are being used for storage purposes. No steel-making or copper works have been closed within the last seven years in the areas referred to. In answer to the third part of the Question, it is the general policy of the Ministry of Supply to develop munitions production where the necessary facilities and resources are available. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.