HC Deb 22 June 1948 vol 452 cc122-3W
Mr. Grenfell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the date on which the new factory built at Gorseinon for Messrs. Swears and Wells, is expected to start production; and whether he will give an estimate of the employment capacity of this factory.

Mr. H. Wilson

I understand that production will start on 1st September, 1948, with a labour force in the early stages of 600 with a possible increase in due course.

Mr. Grenfell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to proceed with the building of the factory for Durex Abrasives Limited at Gorseinon; whether he will indicate the proportion of the original building plans now submitted for immediate construction by the company; whether he has considered the economy in preparatory work if undertaken in the early summer in preference to the winter; and whether this industrial enterprise is intended to provide for the maximum proportion of male workers on production for the export markets.

Mr. H. Wilson

The erection of the factory at Gorseinon for Durex Abrasives Limited will be sanctioned as soon as it can be included in the national industrial investment programme and the local building programme; the Board of Trade are keeping in touch with the company. No building plans have yet been submitted but it is the intention of the company to proceed with the scheme by stages of which the first will cost £175,000, including £60,000 for site preparation work. The company will be given permission to start on the site preparation work when the timing of the main construction work has been settled. The

Category. Scotland. Scottish Development Area.
Actually provided.* Eventually to be provided.† Actually provided.* Eventually to be provided.†
New factories and extensions 13,100 74,500 10,590 61,100
Government and standard factories allocated or sold. 11,870 25,500 6,590 17,500
Royal Ordnance and other used factories retained. 8,710 11,600 7,220 10,000
Royal Ordnance and other factories converted into industrial estates. 6,700 12,100 6,700 12,100
Firms housed in existing premises 8,000 11,000 5,000 7,000
Other employment including pre-war industrial estates. 6,900 11,900 6,890 11,100
TOTAL 55,280 146,600 42,990 118,800
* At end April, 1948. † Projects approved at end May, 1948.