§ 12. Mr. Hefferasked the Minister of Labour what steps he will take to ensure employment for those who may be made redundant by the contraction of a branch of Plessey's in Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GunterI understand from the firm that they are planning a major reorganisation scheme but that this will not lead to any redundancy in Liverpool.
§ Mr. HefferIs my right hon. Friend aware that the automation group in question is an expanding section and is to be concentrated in the Poole district? Is he also aware that the management are arguing that female labour is more available in Poole than on Merseyside, and yet on Merseyside there are over 3,000 unemployed women as against 300 in the Poole area? Will my right hon. Friend also confer with other Ministries concerned to ensure that this type of industry is not only kept on Merseyside but expanded on Merseyside, which is a development area?
§ Mr. GunterI understand that my hon. Friend has been in communication with another Ministry on this point. I am aware of the proposal to transfer a certain section to Poole, but I understand that it is the intention of the company further to develop telecommunications manufacture principally in Liverpool and Beeston.
§ Mr. GodberWill the right hon. Gentleman agree that the contraction of employment is not confined to Plessey or to Liverpool? Would he care to make a statement?
§ Mr. GunterNot on this Question.