HC Deb 14 December 1948 vol 459 cc118-9W
81. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrialists considered the possibility of taking a factory in Rhondda and abandoned the idea when faced with the housing situation; and how many factories are at present allocated to industrialists who cannot hope to take possession until houses are provided.

Mr. Bottomley

I am not aware of any case of an industrialist abandoning the idea of taking a factory in the Rhondda because of the housing situation. As regards the second part of the Question, there has been difficulty in the case of two allocated factories in completing all the houses approved for key-workers; but I hope that by making use of temporary lodgings for their workers, the tenants will not delay taking possession of the factories when they are ready.

82. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade, having regard to the difficulties encountered by Rhondda Urban District Council in their efforts to proceed with housing schemes, if be will accept full responsibility in regard to filling the requirements of key-workers and managerial houses so that idle factories may become occupied.

Mr. Bottomley

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 7th December.