§ 96. Mr. Westasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the decision of the Blaenavon Company to discharge about 160 workmen and to close down part of their plant; and if he has any statement to make regarding alternative employment in the district of Blaenavon for the men affected.
§ Mr. BottomleyYes. I am aware of the position, but I hope that the company may be able to dispose of that part of the premises which they no longer require to some other firm who can provide employment. With regard to the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I are doing all we can to facilitate the employment of those men who are now without work in the new factories which are in course of construction in adjacent districts. I am glad to report that about 60 of the discharged men will start work this month in a new factory at Pontypool.