§ Mr. P. Morrisasked the Minister of Supply if he has any statement to make about the location of the cold reduction plant for sheet steel in the scheme for the modernisation and development of the industry in South Wales.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussYes; the House was informed on 21st April [OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 436, col. 597–8] that the Government had accepted the need for new cold reduction and finishing plants for tinplate and sheet steel in South Wales. On 19th June [OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 438, col. 246–7] it was announced that a new plant for the cold reduction and finishing of tinplate would be sited at Trostre near Llanelly.
328WAfter very careful consideration of all the factors, social as well as economic, the Government have now decided that the new cold reduction plant for sheet steel should be sited at Margam where it will be adjacent to the new hot strip mill already approved, and will thus ensure the full advantages of closely integrated production.
This decision will involve the transfer of certain work at present being done at the Orb Works of Lysaghts at Newport, but it is not anticipated that the effects will be felt at Newport for about two years. Every effort will be made to see that alternative work becomes available for any men who may be displaced in Newport and district as a result of the establishment of the new plant at Margam. The employment opportunities for men to be created by the new factories and extensions now under construction in the Newport area will, when completed and in full production, exceed by a substantial margin the numbers of workers likely to be available for employment.
My right hon. Friends the Minister of Town and Country Planning and the Minister of Health are giving special consideration to the planning of the new housing facilities which will be required in the Port Talbot—Margam area.