§ 15. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Labour what success he has had in finding other jobs for workers displaced by the decision of Imperial Chemical Industries to close its factory at Camborne, Cornwall; and how many of these jobs were outside the county.
§ Mr. P. ThomasSince the decision to close the factory was announced, two men and twenty-nine women have been discharged. Both men and eighteen women registered at the employment exchange. Of these, one man is still unemployed. The remainder secured employment locally. The factory will finally close at the end of July, and, in agreement with the firm, the employment exchange has taken advance regis- 12 trations for forty-two men and ninety-one women seeking other employment.
§ Mr. HaymanI find it rather difficult to understand the figures, because four years ago there were 500 workers in this factory? Will the hon. Gentleman do all he can, using whatever influence he may possess, to persuade I.C.I. to run another industry in my constituency instead of leaving us entirely in the lurch?
§ Mr. ThomasIt is true that the labour force was originally 500. It has been reduced, but the reduction has been mainly due to retirements and resignations. Only 31 people have been discharged. As to the employment situation, I understand from the President of the Board of Trade that there are 500 jobs in prospect in the Camborne-Redruth area.
§ Mr. HaymanCan the hon. Gentleman say how many of the employees have decided not to take up other work? A considerable number of married women were concerned.
§ Mr. ThomasI cannot give the exact figure, but 67 of the 200 employees affected did not accept the offer of interview by our employment exchanges. It may well be that they will leave the employment field.