HC Deb 12 December 1949 vol 470 cc2333-5
3. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement as to the reasons for his authorisation of the move of certain of the work at present done by Hawker Aircraft in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames to Blackpool; and if he first consulted the Minister of Labour as to the effects of the move on employment there.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

An application by the Hawker Aircraft Company for a lease of the Squires' Gate Factory, Blackpool, has been approved, subject to agreement on terms. The firm needs more production space and an airfield to replace their present establishment at Langley, where facilities have become progressively inadequate for their needs. Blackpool meets both of these needs. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has been consulted from an early stage.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour expressed any opinion as to the effect of this move on employment?

Mr. Strauss

My right hon. Friend is fully aware of this move. There is not likely to be any effect on employment either at Blackpool or at the firm's present place for at least a couple of years.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Before these decisions are made, what consultation takes place with employers and with the trade unions concerned in regard to the treatment of any redundancy which arises, a matter which is becoming serious in some of these localities?

Mr. Strauss

The firm is moving from an area where there is considerable congestion and a considerable demand for labour to an area where there is unemployment.

Mr. A. R. W. Low

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that there will not be any effect on unemployment in Blackpool for two years? May not he be wrong about that and may not the unemployment situation in Blackpool become better soon? Is he aware that the decision of Hawker Aircraft to occupy the factory will meet with the approval of everyone in Blackpool?

Mr. Strauss

There will be no immediate effect on unemployment in Blackpool, except for a small number, but in two years' time it will be substantial.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that answer mean that there will be a substantial adverse effect on employment at Kingston-upon-Thames?

Mr. Strauss

No, Sir. It is hoped and expected that there will be alternative work for these people.

Dr. Segal

In view of the long delay there has been in finding a tenant for this very valuable factory space, is my right hon. Friend aware that he ought to be congratulated on at last persuading Hawker Aircraft to move over to that area?