asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the fact that the South Wales tinplate makers have set up a committee to work out a scheme to formulate proposals for the closing of redundant plants; whether he has yet been consulted in this matter; and, in view of the fact that any such scheme must displace workmen and cause widespread social consequences, he will take steps to secure that no scheme is adopted which will sacrifice the interests of the workers, and the community, to financial interests?

I am informed that consideration is being given to proposals for dealing with redundant plant in the tin-plate industry. As the hon. Member is aware, there is also a Joint Technological Development Committee of the Joint Industrial Council of the industry which is considering the technological development of the industry and its effect upon labour, and I have no doubt that the views of this committee will be given due weight in any consideration of the question of redundancy.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to see the scheme and approve it, and will it be brought before the Joint Technological Committee?

I do not know what kind of scheme is contemplated, but I will certainly ask the industry to keep me informed of what is happening.

If these amalgamations throw men out of employment, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are compensated?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the number of redundant plants?