§ 15. Mr. Hoyasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that 400 men and women will lose their jobs as a result of the decision by British Ropes, Limited, to close its factory in Leith; and what steps he is taking to find alternative employment.
§ Mr. HareYes, Sir. I understand the closure will be spread over about nine months and arrangements have already been made with the firm to register their workers before they are discharged so that no time will be lost in trying to find them other work.
§ Mr. HoyEven if, according to the best expectation, employment is found for these men and women, it will still leave 300,000 sq. ft. of factory space and 13 acres of ground standing empty. What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking with his right hon. Friend to find industry to take this important site?
§ Mr. HareNaturally, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is looking at this matter. As to the physical control over the disposal of the site, the hon. Gentleman will realise that this is a matter for the firm. No Department of the Government has any control over that.
Mr. LeeWill the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the Ministry of Labour is represented on the Committee which deals with distribution policy? Surely it is not good enough to say that this is a question for the Board of Trade? The Ministry of Labour is very heavily involved. Will the right hon. Gentleman accept his responsibilities in finding work for these people?
§ Mr. HareCertainly my Ministry is represented on the Committee. On the other hand, I have to answer Questions in the House which are directly the concern of my Department. The Board of Trade has Questions addressed directly to it. There is, of course, a collective Government responsibility.