Volume Four - An Era of Change, Uncertainty, Depression & War - Penarth Dock closure in 1936 . . .

Closing of Penarth Dock - "Mr. Baldwin, replying to Captain Arthur Smith, said he was aware that the Great Western Railway had announced that owing to the continued decline in coal exports they were closing Penarth Dock temporarily. "I must however, correct Captain Evan's suggestion that sanctions against Italy have resulted in the loss of exports from South Wales of from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 tons a year," Mr. Baldwin commented." - Portsmouth Evening News [224] 29th April 1936.

Welsh M.P.s Discuss Closing of Penarth Dock - Urgent Work Plea to Premier - Sanctions and Coal - "The Press and Mirror Lobby Correspondent Writes - Sir Reginald Clarry, member for Newport, presided last night at a well attended meeting of the Welsh Parliamentary Party at which all parties were represented, When a discussion took place on the action of the Great Western Railway in closing Penarth Dock and the implications of this event to South Wales. . . It is intended that a deputation consisting of Welsh members of all parties shall wait on the Prime Minister and present the case. They will describe the general bad conditions in Wales, and will put forward constructive proposals for dealing with the situation.

The Prime Minister stated in answer to the question in the House yesterday that most of the decline in coal exports which had led the G.W.R. to close Penarth Dock temporarily took place before sanctions were instituted against Italy. Mr. Baldwin was replying to Captain Evans, and added that the Government's policy in relation to both special areas and heavy unemployment had been fully explained on recent occasions.

Millions Owing - Captain Evans pressed further questions on the subject, one of which was; Did the Government make any protest to the G.W.R. Company when this decision was made known, and will the Prime Minister be kind enough to say whether the Government propose to locate any Government works in this area to compensate for the loss of trade? Mr Baldwin replied; I have said I cannot add to the statement of the Lord President. That statement stands. Until the land has been acquired it is advisable to say nothing further. With regard to exports, the difficulty has been very likely quickened by the imposition of sanctions. The difficulty has been in securing payment for the goods. That difficulty arose, I believe, before sanctions were put in place.

Mr Roberts (L., Cumberland N.) asked if it was true that the Italians owed South Wales coal owners £2,000,000 before sanctions were adopted. This question was not answered." - Western Daily Press [022] 30th April 1936.