§ Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development whether his Department has been informed about the proposals by the United. Steal and English Steal. Companies to close down plants in Rotherham and Barrow-in-Furness and to discharge large numbers of employees; and what action he has taken.
§ Mr. HeathI am aware of the proposal to close down the Baker and Bessemer plant near Rotherham. Some 900 jobs at other steelworks are to be offered to the redundant workers. In these circumstances, I consider that no special action is necessary.
I know of no proposal to close the United Steel Group plant at Barrow-in-Furness, though the company have announced that there will be some redundancies there. Barrow-in-Furness is a development district, and I shall continue to make every effort to bring the facilities available to the notice of suitable firms.