§ 5. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to visit the railway workshops at Barassie, Troon; and if he will pay an official visit to Troon.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office (Mr. George Younger)My right hon. Friend received a deputation of shop stewards when he was in the neighbourhood of Barassie on 15th October. He is fully aware of the social factors involved. The future of the workshops is at present being considered by British Rail and the trade unions concerned through a joint working party.
§ Mr. LambieNo wonder the Secretary of State is afraid to visit the former Tory stronghold of Troon. Does not he realise that on Thursday, 18th November, British Rail are to give notice of the closure of Barassie railway workshops, throwing 480 people out of a job with no prospects of getting another? As our only representative in the Cabinet, what will the Secretary of State do about it?
§ Mr. YoungerWith respect, it is very irresponsible of the hon. Gentleman to 983 anticipate the conclusions of a joint working party which includes both the employers and trade unions. It would be much better to await their conclusions before making extreme statements like that.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We had an Adjournment debate about this last night.