§ 13. Mr. Adamsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider measures to assist J. P. Coats (UK) Ltd., in view of the difficulties it is experiencing in retaining its present work force at its Paisley mill.
§ Mr. YoungerYes, Sir. My Department if already having discussions with the company about possible financial assistance for investment under normal Government schemes. My hon. Friend went into this in detail when he met the managing director on 18 January.
§ Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that 1, 000 jobs in Paisley are threatened by the company's action? Is he aware of the present serious situation in the area? Is he further aware that figures issued by the Department of Health and Social Services on 4 January showed that there were 17, 000 unemployed, or one in four of the male population? Is he also aware that that is the highest unemployment figure ever recorded in Paisley and at 18.1 per cent. is 3 per cent. above the figure for Scotland? Will he take firm and positive action to safeguard not only the 1, 500 jobs that the company intends to save but the 2, 500 existing jobs?
§ Mr. YoungerI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's anxiety. There is a threat to about 1, 000 jobs over the next two years. He will agree, however, that it is encouraging that the company concerned is investing new money to make a new, modern and up-to-date process, which should secure jobs in that process for a considerable time to come. I appreciate his anxiety about the extremely severe unemployment in the area, but I am sure that he will be grateful that some firms, such as Babcock and Wilcox and Howden's, are doing very well.