HC Deb 10 May 1995 vol 259 c731
3. Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what efforts are being undertaken by his Department with a view to help find an occupant for the Volvo site in Workington. [21944]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

Primary responsibility for finding a new occupant for the factory falls to the company and its agents. However, the local development organisations, together with Inward, the regional development organisation, and the Government office for the north-west are fully aware of the opportunities that the site has to offer. They continue to promote the site at every suitable opportunity.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Will the Minister refer my comments to his departmental officials with gratitude for the work that they are doing in trying to market that very important site? Will he join me in reiterating that we have in Workington a 500,000 sq ft modern factory in an assisted area where European moneys are available? Anyone watching Parliament today who knows of a potential client should come forward as soon as possible.

Mr. Evans

I thank the hon. Gentleman for the generosity of his remarks about the work undertaken by Government officials. It may reassure him to know that I had a meeting with Inward last week at which that subject was at the top of the agenda. Inward is very much aware of the statements which have been made not just in this House but throughout the north-west by the hon. Gentleman, who has taken a leading role in seeking to promote the occupation of the site.

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