§ 2. Mr. EadieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what notification he received about the contraction of the work force in Ferranti Dalkeith; and what was his response.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Allan Stewart)My right hon. Friend received no notification of the recent job losses in Ferranti Dalkeith.
§ Mr. EadieI am sure that the Minister agrees that the proposal to shed to two thirds of the work force in Ferranti Dalkeith is a severe blow to the 146 employees involved. It is all the more deplorable when one considers that it is high-tech industry with a very skilled work force whom we should wish to retain in the economy. Midlothian has lost far too many jobs through closures and contractions. I understand —the Minister may correct me if I am wrong—that an arrangement has been made for him to meet the firm next Monday. If that is true. I welcome the initiative What hope will the Minister give to the work force in Dalkeith and Midlothian as a result of that initiative?
§ Mr. StewartI share the hon. Gentleman's concern about the difficulties that the firm faces. It has attributed its problems to the International Signal and Control fraud 933 case and world trading conditions. On Monday I shall not meet the company but I shall meet representatives of the Amalgamated Engineering Union. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to join the meeting, he will be welcome. It will take place in Alhambra house, Glasgow, on Monday at 8.30 am.