HC Deb 20 March 1973 vol 853 cc227-8
22. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the increase in unemployment in Bristol likely to be brought about by the closure of the factory of BDR Machines Limited and whether he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Dudley Smith)

It is not possible to make an accurate estimate at this stage, but the general expansion in the economy should do much to reduce the unemployment effects of a closure, and I understand that the rundown is expected to take place over a period of some months.

Mr. Palmer

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this Bristol firm is a pioneer in the automatic vending machine business and that until recently it was very prosperous? Is he aware that the Vokes Group took it over, that that group in turn has been taken over by Tillings and that its assets have been stripped? Have employees in these circumstances no remedy at the hands of the Government but to submit to unemployment?

Mr. Smith

I understand that there have been consultations between the management and the unions involved and they are being resumed shortly. We are certainly anxious to help if we can by sending in a job team, but it would be wise for us to wait until those consultations have finished and terms have been worked out over possible redundancies.

Mr. Benn

Is the Minister aware that in this case, as my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Palmer) said, 1,700 people in a highly successful firm have been made the victims of asset-stripping and that providing alternative work for them is no substitute for support by the Government for this firm by means of, or following, an inquiry by the Department of Trade and Industry? Will he take a broader view of his responsibilities than his original reply suggested?

Mr. Smith

The right hon. Gentleman knows that the question of an inquiry of that kind is not one for me. Our Department's concern is the provision of alternative employment for those who may be affected by redundancies. A number of local employers have already expressed interest with regard to the men who may be made redundant and we shall do all we can to assist them. Fortunately, the trend of unemployment in Bristol is improving and things are getting better there.

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