HC Deb 16 December 1948 vol 459 c196W
98. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the highest number of factories under construction by Welsh estates at any period in the last five years; and how many do they hope to have under construction during 1949.

Mr. H. Wilson

The highest number of factories under construction by Wales and Monmouthshire Industrial Estates, Ltd., at any time was 110 in September, 1947. About 65 will be under construction at 1st January, 1949, and this number is expected to decrease steadily during the year.

99. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average length of time taken to construct new factories for Welsh estates during 1947 and 1948 respectively, taking standard factories and others separately.

Mr. H. Wilson

The time taken finally to complete any given factory is dependent on many factors such, for example, as the time necessary to prepare the site, the size of the factory and any special tenants' requirements. No one factory was both started and completed in 1947 or 1948. Work continued on many factories during both years, while many factories started in 1947 or 1948 are still under construction. In these circumstances, any average figure would give a false picture. If my hon. Friend wants particulars of any specific factories I will, however, be glad to give him all the information I can.