§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will take steps to ensure that Albright and Wilson continue in production in Kirkby.
Mr. Alan WilliamsI have been kept informed by Albright and Wilson of their plans to rationalise production, involving the closure of the plant at Kirkby, but the matter is ultimately for the company's commercial judgment and I have no powers to intervene. I have confirmed that the company is attempting to find jobs for its employees in other plants in the group in the Merseyside and Birmingham areas. If the company wishes to apply for temporary employment subsidy this would be available subject to the usual conditions.