§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to announce a decision on the holding of an inquiry into all aspects of the proposed closure of the Courtaulds factory in Skelmersdale; and if he will make a statement about the statutory power available to him to order an inquiry, notwithstanding the refusal of Courtaulds to agree to hold an inquiry.
Mr. Alan WilliamsMy right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Employment and Industry are in discussion with the company and the unions concerned about this issue. There are certain provisions relating to the setting up of inquiries under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921, and Part II of the Industrial Courts Act 1919. It is not clear that any of these are appropriate in the present situation.