§ 23. Mr. Cordleasked the Minister of Aviation what further progress has been made in his negotiations concerning the Christchurch factory; and to what extent these negotiations will ensure continuity of employment for all those who work there.
§ Mr. WoodhouseA number of inquiries have been received and the factory has been inspected by several firms. Until a definite offer is received, I cannot say what the employment prospects will be. It must, however, be recognised that there may be an idle period after de Havillands leave on 30th September.
§ Mr. CordleWhat arrangements are being made to absorb in other industries in the travel-to-work area the 400–500 employees who will be redundant at the end of this month?
§ Mr. WoodhouseThat is not a question for my Department.
Mr. LeeWere we not told on one occasion that there had practically been agreement with one firm to take over the factory? What has happened about that? Is the Ministry asking a rental which the firm considers too high, or is the factory itself too big, in which event 25 could not the right hon. Gentleman reach agreement for a tenancy of part of it?
§ Mr. WoodhouseIt is the case that the Beagle Aircraft Company was at one time very much interested in the factory and was very near to making an agreement to take it. Its reasons for finally withdrawing were not due to the level of rent set by the Ministry. They were due to other considerations of its own.