HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc540-1
2. Mr. D. Price

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the probability of redundancy in the locomotive works at Eastleigh, in view of the railway modernisation scheme; and what proposals he has for alternative employment.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I know of no likely redundancy at the Eastleigh locomotive works.

Mr. Price

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether I may take it that there will be no question of any redundancy at Eastleigh locomotive workshops, where there has been considerable apprehension in the minds of many of the men, as it is now over a year since the modernisation plan was announced and there has been no statement to the men as to their future likelihood of employment?

Mr. Macleod

It is thought by the British Transport Commission that the workshops will be fully occupied for at least the next five years, and, as I am sure my hon. Friend knows, there is very heavy pressure on the labour resources at Eastleigh.

Mr. Lee

Could the right hon. Gentleman extend that assurance to the whole of the railway workshops of the British Transport Commission?

Mr. Macleod

Yes. Indeed, a statement was put out by the British Transport Commission a day or two ago which said, if I may quote it: In connection with the railway modernisation plan, the British Transport Commission foresee that during the next five years at least British Railways' workshops will, with but minor exceptions, be fully employed. This is on the assumption that the plan proceeds to schedule.