§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) when he next expects to pay an official visit to Liverpool to assess the unemployment situation;
(2) if he will visit Liverpool to assess unemployment following recent factory closures and job losses announced.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkMy right hon. Friend plans to pay an official visit to Liverpool on 17 February.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will meet a deputation of hon. Members representing Merseyside constituencies and trade union representatives concerning the proposed loss of jobs at the British American Tobacco factory at Liverpool.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkWe regret that British American Tobacco is proposing to reduce the numbers employed at its Liverpool factory. However, it is for BAT to assess the viability of its operations and to take whatever commercial decisions are necessary in the best interests of the company as a whole. We do not believe, therefore, that a meeting of the kind proposed would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions have taken place between his Department and British American Tobacco concerning the proposed loss of 1,100 jobs in Liverpool.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThis Department had no discussions with British American Tobacco prior to the announcement of redundancies at its Liverpool factory. However, local jobcentre officials have now contacted the company to offer assistance, and all the advisory, placement, and retraining facilities of the Manpower Services Commission will be at the disposal of those made redundant.