HC Deb 02 February 1967 vol 740 cc152-3W
60. Mr. Abse

asked 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 Coleman

asked 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. White

My 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 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. Abse

asked 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. White

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him earlier today.

Back to