HC Deb 03 December 1963 vol 685 cc161-2W
Mr. G. Elfed

Davies asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what steps he intends to take to encourage industry into the Rhondda development district; and if he is satisfied that sufficient regard is being paid by the Board of Trade Advisory Committee to social accountability in determining their decisions on applications made for assistance under the Local Employment Acts.

Mr. Heath

All the facilities of the Local Employment Acts are available in the Rhondda development districts, and I shall continue to do everything in my power to encourage suitable industrial development there. I am satisfied that the Advisory Committee always deal with cases submitted to them as helpfully as they properly can.

Location Factories producing manufactures Employment in manufacturing New factories being built Enquiries for factories*
Bridgend … … … 84 4,941 Nil 15
Fforestfach (Swansea) … 15 4,835 Nil Nil
Hirwaun … … … 22 4,059 Nil 33
Treforest … … … 62 11,728 Nil 8
Wrexham … … … 13 3,380 Nil 11
* For twelve months ended 31st October, 1963.

It is not proposed at present to establish any new industrial estates in Wales. None of the present estates is in a development district. In addition to these estates the Board of Trade has many factories in Wales on individual and group sites. New factories are being built on such sites in development districts as required.

Mr. G. Elfed Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what were the number of applications for assistance under the Local Employment Acts in the Rhondda development district during the past 12 months, the types of applications received and the results of such applications up to the latest available date.

Mr. Heath

Six applications have been received, relating to five projects. Four are applications for building grants and two are applications for plant and machinery grants. Three of the projects have been approved in principle, subject to the statutory consultation with the Board of Trade Advisory Committee in respect of the building grants. The other two are under consideration.