HC Deb 10 February 1948 vol 447 cc43-4W
94 and 95. Mr. Fairhurst

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he is aware of the anxiety of the employees at Messrs. Platt Bros., Oldham, owing to the transference of machinery for producing cotton carding engines from Messrs. Platt Bros., Oldham works to their works at Barton, near Eccles; and what measures he is taking to prevent consequent unemployment;

(2) what his Department proposes to do to prevent a large number of highly skilled textile machinery producers becoming redundant as a result of the present policy of the T.M.M.

97. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Labour how many redundant workers from Textile Machine Makers Limited, Oldham factory, have been offered work through the Oldham employment exchange at Messrs. Textile Machine Makers Limited, Barton, factory.

Mr. Isaacs

I am aware that the employees at Messrs. Platt Brothers' Oldham factories have expressed concern at the transfer of certain types of production to Barton. The transfer is part of the long-term plan of Textile Machinery Makers to rationalise production in the various factories of the group so as to achieve maximum output on the most economical basis. I am informed that the group are satisfied that sufficient orders will be available to keep the factories fully employed. While it was thought possible that some of the employees of the Oldham works might be stood off temporarily, no redundancy has occurred and the latest information suggests that none will arise during the period of re-organisation.

Mr. Fairhurst

asked the Minister of Labour if he will cause his Department to give the highly skilled textile machinery makers now becoming redundant at Platt Bros., Oldham, a prior opportunity of employment at the Barton works of the Textile Machinery Makers, Ltd.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his other associated questions today.