§ 60. Mr. Abseasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is aware of the concern of 2,000 employees of the Bowen-Davies investment group in West Wales, following upon the announcement of the present financial difficulties of these companies; and what steps he will take to avoid unemployment among these employees.
§ 61 and 62. Mr Colemanasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what action he is taking to advise local authorities in Wales who have entered into contracts with the Bowen-Davies group of companies for the construction of council houses and old people's homes; and whether he will make a statement on the consequences to local authorities in Wales of the financial difficulties of this group of companies;
(2) whether he is aware of the public concern that the present difficulties of the Bowen-Davies Investment group may lead to employment difficulties for some 2.000 employees in West Wales; and whether he will take steps to protect the interests of these employees.
§ Mrs. WhiteMy right hon. Friend is aware of the concern of the employees of Bowen-Davies group subsidiaries in Wales and of local authorities who have entered into contracts with these subsidiaries, and is keeping himself closely informed of developments. I would refer to my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade's reply to a Question about Davies Investments yesterday. The special manager he referred to has 153W been in touch with a number of the local authorities involved, and the companies' work under existing contracts with them is at present continuing in all instances. [Vol. 740, c. 100–1.]
§ Mr. Abseasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether, in order to protect the financial interests of local authorities in Wales who have entered into contracts with the Bowen-Davies group of companies, he will take steps to see that the interests of these Welsh local authorities are safeguarded.
§ Mrs. WhiteI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him earlier today.