§ 23. Mr. Championasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to find alternative employment for the people of the Spondon area of Derbyshire made redundant by the merger of Messrs. Courtaulds and British Celanese and the recession in the rayon industry.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe firm has given my local officers full facilities to register redundant workers at the factory in advance of discharge, Over 1,400 have left the firm's employment since September and the majority of the 107 who are still registered as unemployed are being considered for employment by other firms who have notified vacancies.
§ Mr. ChampionI thank the Minister for that reply. Will he devote his special attention to the fact that a number of the staff who have been made redundant are senior staff, such as chemists, engineers and higher administrative staff, of the age group of forty-five and upwards, and that they are in an exceptionally difficult position? Will he give that matter his special attention?
§ Mr. MacleodI have looked at that side of the matter. I think that my technical and scientific register may be able to help, but only a small number—I believe twenty-six—have so far applied. I think that my Answer and the hon. Member's Question may help to draw attention to the position.