§ 55. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what redundancies she expects in connection with reorganisation now taking place in the motor industry; and what provision she is making to find alternative and productive work for the men made redundant.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am not aware of any proposed redundancy in this industry —several important firms are at present recruiting production workers—but we shall continue to keep in close touch with developments.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs my hon. Friend unaware of the great anxiety felt by the workers at Leylands, following the merger, and is it not timely for him to get in touch with both the employers and the trade unions with a view to forestalling redundancies or, failing that, at least to making provision for alternative work?
§ Mr. WalkerThere have been some misleading Press rumours on this subject which Sir Donald Stokes, the Chairman of British Leyland Motor Corporation, has denied. He has undertaken to keep the Ministry of Technology and the Ministry of Employment and Productivity fully informed in advance of any public announcement should there be any change in the present position.