§ 31. Mr. Greyasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the firm of Thorn Electrical Industries Limited to induce it to reconsider its decision to transfer the radio industry from Spennymoor to the London area.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe firm has told my Department that it has reached this decision reluctantly, but that it is satisfied that the concentration of its radio production into two factories near 329 London is necessary for reasons of efficiency, and not least in the interests of the export trade. I am assured that the firm plans to expand its output of other types of product manufactured at Spennymoor and that it will in time increase its labour force substantially.
§ Mr. GreyIs the Minister aware that the picture here is not quite so bright as was painted earlier; and that, as a result of the transfer of this factory, approximately 500 people will lose their jobs? Is he aware that many of those people have had this kind of training in radio assembly and are now becoming redundant? Can he give any assurance whatsoever as to whether these people will be placed when the transfer takes place?
§ Mr. MaudlingI think that this is a temporary difficulty. I understand that the women to be discharged are leaving to take jobs in the woollen industry, but there is certainly the problem of alternative jobs for the men. As I say, the firm has told me that over a period it expects to expand its total employment at Spennymoor to a level higher even than it is at the present moment.