§ 15. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the loss of more than 1,100 jobs at the Redpath Dorman Long yard in Methil and the possible redundancies in another factory in the area, he will make a statement on the current position following the representations made to him by the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieI understand that RDL is tendering for further platform orders. With regard to the factory referred to by my hon. Friend, officials have had discussions with the management but I cannot say more today.
§ Mr. GourlayIs my hon. Friend aware that the run-down at the Redpath Dorman Long yard has had a considerably adverse effect on the local economy. Can he say in which fields, other than Murchison, 1238 RDL is tendering for platforms? May we have an assurance that the Minister's Department will do everything possible to assist the employment situation in the other factory I have mentioned?
§ Mr. MacKenzieI concern myself with the situation that is arising at RDL. The firm is tendering for both the Murchison and Tartan fields. My hon. Friend in the Department of Energy is actively pursuing platform orders. The position of the factory itself is still the subject of discussion, as are one or two other applications to my right hon. Friend and myself. Tomorrow I am going to my hon. Friend's constituency to see Nairn Floors. It is encouraging to see an important Scottish firm having the confidence to expand in the way that this company is expanding.