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Ministry of Works, Treasury, Lands and Survey, Labour and Employment, and this Department, has been set up to advise on the establishment of trading estates and related matters in this country. The work of the Committee covers, in particular — (a) The acquisition by the Crown of land for industrial purposes and the subsequent allocation and leasing of sites to manufacturing and other commercial interests ; (b) The control, allocation to industrial units, leasing, and administration of Government-owned stores and other buildings assigned for industrial purposes ; (c) The development, when and where appropriate, and subsequent administration of Government-owned blocks of rental factories of modern design and construction, provided with up-to-date amenities and services for selected light industries along the lines of similar developments abroad. • The allocation to industry has already begun of buildings erected during the war but now surplus to Government requirements, and at Tamaki, Auckland, approved industrial tenants are already occupying a portion of the large block. The over-riding control of these buildings is vested in the Ministry of Works, which, in accordance with a defined plan of utilization, arranges for their release to the Industrial Areas Committee. It is expected that additional buildings in the Tamaki area, as well as a portion of a similar block in the Hutt Valley, will shortly be released for allocation by the Committee. Further proposals under consideration as part of a plan for the development of the Hutt Valley include the establishment of a heavy industrial area at Seaview, a light industrial area at Taita, and a servicing area at Naenae. The allocation of sites to firms interested in leasing the land will be proceeded with as soon as possible. SECTION 13.—NEW INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS In last year's report an enumeration was made of products for the manufacture of which projects had been examined by the Department. There have been no significant additions in the past year to the number or type of such projects, but work has proceeded steadily towards bringing into production some important units among tliose listed last year. Rubber vehicle-tires and steel tubes will soon be produced here, and carpet-manufacture will be expanded. The development is proceeding of the solar salt area at Lake Grassmere, which scheme was recently investigated and reported on by Professor W. L. Badger, of the United States of America, who is a leading authority in chemical engineering in this field. Spinning and weaving of cotton are not so far advanced as yet. There is evidence that further new proposals for industrial expansion will be put forward when pressure on buildings, power, and labour recedes. SECTION 14.—FACTORY CONTROL Persistent supply difficulties have made it necessary to retain the operation of the Factory Emergency Regulations 1939, and the Factory Controller, who at present is Mr. L. R. Morriss, of this Department, has throughout the year regulated the use of tinplate, paint, manila fibre, tobacco and cigarettes, container board, and paraffin wax. The tnarking of clothing is also subject to control. Lifting of control has been possible from cordage other than manila fibre, of which use is limited to lifeboat falls, and cargo slings and nets. There has, too, been improvement in respect of tobacco and cigarettes and container board, but it is considered that circumstances are not yet sufficiently favourable to make it desirable to lift control over them. It is unfortunate that unfavourable experience in the supply of certain essential materials is making it necessary to reintroduce control over certain goods. This action has been taken in relation to galvanized-iron sheets, black-steel sheet, and galvanized and wrought iron tubing.

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