HC Deb 13 May 1981 vol 4 cc751-2
3. Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to provide employment services for those declared redundant at the H. D. Lee factory in Larkfield industrial estate, Greenock.

Mr. Younger

All the normal employment services of the Greenock jobcentre are available to the redundant workers. In addition, a team of employment advisers from the Manpower Services Commission's employment service division is ready to visit the factory to offer advice on alternative employment and training opportunities.

Dr. Mabon

Is the Secretary of State aware that this firm, unlike most firms in my constituency, is behaving badly to its employees, who have reacted by having a sit-in for nearly 15 weeks? I would expect the right hon. Gentleman to bring in the company and to ask it to explain why it has acted in this way towards my constituents. I would at least hope that the Secretary of State would turn to the Scottish Development Agency and seek to find another firm in this activity to sustain employment in the area for these loyal and hard-working people.

Mr. Younger

I appreciate what the right hon. Gentleman has said. The employees concerned must be upset to have their employment terminated. The circumstances were no doubt particularly upsetting to them. We are ready—from the SDA or other sources—to assist any new viable project which it may be possible to devise for this factory or the area. However, the decision to discontinue production is for the firm.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Is the Secretary of State aware that this problem has been going on for many weeks in Greenock? Is he telling the House that, as Scotland's industry Minister, he has done nothing to try to resolve this problem on behalf of the workers at this factory in Greenock?

Mr. Younger

There is nothing that I can do if the workers concerned feel strongly enough to act as they have been acting. Nor can I do anything to make more pairs of jeans, or whatever else, at that factory. It is a commercial decision for the company. I have given all the help that I can to the employees.

Mr. McQuarrie

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is endeavouring to do his best for Greenock. As the right hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Mabon)—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Even the hon. Member must ask a question.

Mr. McQuarrie

I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker. Will my right hon. Friend consider asking the Minister with responsibility for industry to visit the factory and discuss with the workers the possibility of getting some alternative means of keeping the factory in production?

Mr. Younger

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he said. As I made clear, we are ready at any time to assist with or advise on any new project for the factory. The company has decided that it cannot continue to manufacture jeans at this factory. As a matter of interest, other companies in Scotland manufacturing similar products seem to be carrying on.