§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress is being made in discussions to extend the Wool Textile Scheme; what agreement exists to abandon the realisation aspect of the existing scheme, whereby textile workers have been made redundant and machinery scrapped; and what improvements are proposed in severance pay arrangements.
Mr. Alan WilliamsWe are considering proposals for a further scheme. I cannot yet say when an announcement will be made, but a realisation aspect has not been proposed. Severance pay arrangements are a matter for employers and trade unions.