HC Deb 23 February 1948 vol 447 cc302-3W
Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what date it is now expected that the full programme of Grenfell factories for dust victims of the mines will be fulfilled; and if he is aware of the growing bitterness regarding this question in the South Wales coalfield.

Mr. H. Wilson

I share with my hon. Friend his concern that these factories should be completed as soon as possible. As I explained in the Debate on Welsh Affairs on 26th January, one will be opened very shortly, three more should be ready in the spring, a further three in the summer and the remainder later in the year. I am, however, asking for a special inquiry to be made into their progress and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the need of new entrants into the mining industry, he is expediting the construction of factories intended to provide alternative employment for the thousands of partially disabled industrial workers.

Mr. H. Wilson

Yes.

Mr. Mainwaring

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to an announcement by the regional controller of the Ministry of Labour for Wales respecting the use and purpose of the Grenfell factories; and, as this statement conflicts with the aim and purpose laid down by the Government White Paper, if he will issue an explanation of the changed policy.

Mr. H. Wilson

Yes. But the statement does not conflict with the recommendations, in the Command Paper 6719, paragraph 12 of which recommended that a minimum percentage of the workers to be recruited for the Grenfell factories should be "disabled persons" as defined in the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944. If my hon. Friend will refer to paragraphs 13 and 18 of the White Paper he will see that the administrative arrangements for recruiting workers for these factories recommended by the Working Party presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Mr. Grenfell), which has been adopted by the Government, will give an indirect but real preference to persons suspended from the mining industry.