§ 84. Mr. Callaghanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious employment position arising 182W at a large furniture factory in Cardiff, established since 1945, for which specialist labour has been especially trained; and what steps he is taking under the Distribution of Industry Act, to prevent the permanent closing of the factory.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware that a number of furniture firms, including one in Cardiff to which no doubt the hon. Member refers, are suffering the effects of a falling off in sales.
Steps have already been taken to bring the administrative arrangement, whereby firms in Development Areas have special opportunities to tender for Government contracts, to the notice of the Cardiff firm. The hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that the Board of Trade have power under the Distribution of Industry Acts to prevent a firm closing its factory.