HC Deb 20 February 1962 vol 654 cc23-4W
46. Mr. Gourlay

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the National Union of Vehicle Builders, regarding the closure of the railway workshops at Eastleigh and Swindon; what was the nature of his reply; and what steps he proposes to take to provide industrial employment for the skilled manpower made redundant by the closures.

Mr. Erroll

The National Union of Vehicle Builders sent me a duplicated copy of a statement it issued in January.

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the run-down of employment in the railway workshops at Eastleigh and Swindon will be spread over the period between mid-1962 and mid-1963, and that the closures are not likely to give rise to serious or lasting unemployment. In these circumstances, I should not be justified in taking any exceptional action to encourage further industrial development in these areas.