§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the Grenfell factories in South Wales are now in production; how many persons are employed in them; and how many of these are ex-miners disabled through pneumoconiosis.
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Mr. H. WilsonFive Grenfell factories are now in production; 247 persons were employed at 25th February, the date of latest return; an analysis of the present labour force is being prepared and when it is ready I will communicate with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new factory buildings were started in South Wales in 1949; and how many it is proposed to start this year.
Mr. H. WilsonDuring 1949 work started on the construction of 36 new factories and extensions in the South Wales development area. It is expected that work will commence during 1950 on a further 19 schemes which have been licensed, but I cannot forecast how many more schemes will come forward and qualify for building licences this year.
§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many Government standard factories in the South Wales development area have not yet been allocated to industrialists; and what are the prospects of securing tenants for these buildings.
Mr. H. WilsonFour standard factories, including two Grenfell factories, are unallocated, but there are good prospects of two of these, including one of the Grenfells, being allocated shortly. In addition, various buildings containing in all about 200,000 square feet of factory space are available for allocation; these are all the subject of provisional inquiries.