HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc358-9
26. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that 350 workers will become unemployed by the closure of the Birmingham Small Arms Tools Factory at Cardiff on 31st March next; and what special measures will be taken by his local officers to place them in fresh employment.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I have been informed that about 320 workers are liable to be discharged during the coming month and have arranged for my local officers to attend at the factory to register the workers affected for other employment in advance of their discharge.

Mr. Callaghan

Are the local officials reasonably confident that these men will be able to find other employment? Secondly, in view of the large proportion of skilled workers, will the Minister's local officials make sure that they are not offered jobs outside the area, thus leaving us even shorter of skilled workers than at present?

Mr. Macleod

We hope to be able to find work for a number fairly quickly, but there are difficulties in absorbing so great a number as that. I do not think it would be helpful to give the assurance the hon. Member suggested in the second part of his supplementary question. The vast majority of re-engagements are local re-engagements and people prefer it to be so, but they would also like to have drawn to their attention other work if it is suitable and available.