HC Deb 28 February 1995 vol 255 c554W
Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the recent job losses announced by(a) Littlewoods and (b) Vernons.

Miss Widdecombe

Job losses are always regrettable and I sympathise with all those adversely affected. However, companies have to adjust to remain competitive in changing markets. The gambling sector is no exception, but the pools companies, as recently announced by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, will he allowed to advertise on television and modernise their operations in a number of other ways. People who are unfortunate enough to lose their jobs from any sector can benefit from the Department's extensive range of measures designed to help them find new jobs, re-train or set up in business.