§ Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Technology whether he is aware that private companies are interested in purchasing the West Howe factory at present managed by Vickers Limited on behalf of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority; if, in offering the factory for disposal to other Government Departments, he will take account of the need to enable the team of skilled engineers to carry on producing work of technological value and with an export potential; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarshThis is a matter for the Atomic Energy Authority who are following Government practice in disposing of this factory. My right hon. Friend understands that the G.P.O. is anxious to acquire the premises for its telephone services. A number of the factory staff are already assured of other employment and further vacancies are available at the A.E.A's nearby establishment at Winfrith.
§ Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Technology, if he is aware that the skilled and experienced team of about 160 people now employed at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy's Authority's West Howe factory is being dipersed; and, in view of the fact that a machine tool company is interested in acquiring the factory, if he will give support to their application in order to ensure that they are enabled to continue to work as a unit.
§ Mr. MarshMy right hon. Friend is advised that alternative employment is 469W already available for many of the employees of this factory. He understands from the Atomic Energy Authority that they have had no application from a machine tool manufacturer to acquire the factory.