11. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Labour what information he has regarding the closing down of Kleeware Plastics Factory at Aycliffe Trading Estate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenI understand that the management have decided to close the factory because experience has shown that it is too far away from their main production units to function efficiently. My local officers will do all they can to help any of the workpeople seeking alternative work.
Mr. SlaterIs the Minister aware that when the employees received notice of the closing of this factory it came as a great shock to them, because many of them live in the adjoining new town of Newton Aycliffe? Did any consultation take place between the employers and the trade union, as the responsible body on the trade union side for the workers there, prior to the decision being taken to close this factory? If not, is this not another example of sheer contempt for the services and loyalty of employees to the firm over many years? What are the possibilities of these 300 people being found work in other grades of employment on the trading estate?
§ Mr. GreenI will take the last point first, because I think that it is the most important. I understand that there are 1354 reasonable chances of alternative employment for skilled and clerical workers who will be redundant under this closure. The prospects for semiskilled and unskilled personnel are not so good.
The first and second points which the hon. Member raised concern a different question from that on the Order Paper and I should be wrong to try to answer them without a further look at them. If he would like to come to see me I should be very happy to meet him.