§ 38. Mr. H. Hyndasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure continuity of employment at the factory shortly to be vacated by Messrs. Courtaulds at Clayton-le-Moors.
Mr. H. WilsonI understand that this firm will be continuing in production until early next year, but I can assure my hon. 557 Friend that we are losing no opportunity of bringing to the notice of suitable industrialists the fact that this factory space will be available.
§ Mr. HyndIs the Minister aware of the great anxiety felt by the 1,700 workers involved and by shopkeepers and others in the district? Will he try to relieve their anxiety by an early decision?
Mr. WilsonI am well aware of the anxiety, though I am sure my hon. Friend will have realised this is not a question of a decision by me. It is a question of finding an alternative tenant capable of making use of so large a factory.
§ Mr. AsshetonIs the right hon. Gentleman making plans to cope with the situation or not?
Mr. WilsonYes, Sir, we are bringing the existence of this factory to the attention of any suitable industrialist who might be able to make use of it.