HC Deb 05 November 1962 vol 666 cc571-3
2. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to prevent unemployment of scientific, technical and professional staff displaced by closure of the enriched uranium plant at Capenhurst; having regard to the national shortage of scientific manpower, what special facilities he is arranging to ensure that each man concerned is retrained as necessary and offered alternative employment with minimum delay and disturbance; and how many redundancies are envisaged.

Mr. Hare

I am in touch with the Atomic Energy Authority, which advises me that it is too early to say that its own efforts at redeployment will not solve the problem. In any event, my officers of the Professional and Executive Register will give every assistance to individuals seeking suitable alternative employment. Retraining is not expected to be a significant problem in view of the considerable demand for people with these qualifications and experience.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my right hon. Friend bear two points in mind? First, is he aware that allegations have been made by the Staff Side of the Whitley Council to the effect that there was inadequate consultation before this large redundancy of scientific and skilled manpower was declared? Has the Minister looked into that aspect of things? Secondly, having regard to the very highly skilled character of this repository of scientific labour which has been declared redundant, will he give his special personal attention to see that each man with scientific qualifications is properly placed in the Mersey-side area?

Mr. Hare

I will certainly take note of what my hon. Friend has said and do whatever I can to see that these men are placed where their skills will not be wasted.

Mr. Temple

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these scientists had bought homes in the City of Chester constituency? When making arrangements to move them possibly to other work, will he see that they are given as long notice as possible in order that they may find suitable alternative accommodation?

Mr. Hare

I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Gunter

Would the right hon. Gentleman care to answer the last point made by the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro), namely, the question of the adequacy of the consultation which took place?

Mr. Hare

I did say that I would take note of his question, and I will inquire. This is the first time this has been brought to my notice.