HC Deb 16 July 1958 vol 591 c1229
35. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are his intentions in regard to the No. 12 Maintenance Unit, Kirkbride, and the No. 22 Maintenance Unit, Silloth; and what steps he is taking to assist any redundant civilian employees at these maintenance units to find alternative employment.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing)

We do not plan to close these aircraft storage units until 1960. It is impracticable to forecast at this stage what use may be made of the land and buildings after that. About two-thirds of the employees are established civil servants and will be offered transfer to other Government posts as near to their homes as possible. Unestablished employees will be helped to find other work under arrangements which we shall be making with the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Whitelaw

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that if these units have to be disbanded the local authorities and others concerned with providing alternative means of employment are most anxious to obtain the earliest possible decision from him as to the future of the sites and buildings?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I will certainly bear that point in mind.