§ Mr. Gallacherasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new factories have been completed in Wales 263W during the period 30th June, 1945, and 31st December, 1947; and how many workers have been provided with employment in these factories.
§ Mr. H. WilsonSeventy-four new factories and extensions of 5,000 square feet and over were completed in Wales or work was so far advanced that the firms were able to occupy the premises during the period 30th June, 1945–31st December, 1947. At 31st December, 1947, 6,000 persons (3,800 men and 2,200 women) were employed in these factories and extensions.
§ Mr. F. Willeyasked the President of the Board of Trade at which factories in the North-East Development Area it is proposed to discontinue the work of construction.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe review of factory building referred to in paragraph 20 of the White Paper on Capital Investment in 1948 (Cmd. 7268) is not yet complete and I am not therefore at present in a position to give my hon. Friend the information for which he asks.
§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that the ten factories for disabled miners in South Wales will not be affected by the decision to cut capital expenditure on factory construction; and if he will regard the completion of these factories as a matter of special urgency, in view of the large numbers of disabled miners who have been unemployed for a long time.
§ Mr. H. WilsonYes.
§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what factory projects, approved or in course of erection, are not to be proceeded with in the South Wales Development Area as a result of the reduction in the capital investment programme;
(2) what is the estimated effect on employment in the South Wales development area of the proposed reduction in factory construction.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe review of factory building referred to in paragraph 20 of the White Paper on Capital Investment in 1948 (Cmd. 7286) is not yet complete and I am not therefore at present in a position to say what factory projects will264W be deferred or what effect such deferments may have on the employment prospects of the South Wales Development area.