§ Mr, Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the employers have given notice of dismissal to 120 of their employees at the Horwich, Lancashire, railway locomotive works; what other large-scale dismissals are taking place at present; to what extent the employers or trade unions are in consultation with his Department; and what steps he is taking to secure employment for these men in other spheres of industry.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, though this figure has now been reduced to 55. My local office has been working in close co-operation with the management and trade union representatives. Early notice of the redundancy has been given and the men are registering for employment in advance of discharge. Of the 37 men due for discharge up to 18th February, 17 have already been found alternative employment and the others have been submitted for various jobs. The 18 men due for discharge on 25th February are being registered in order to submit them to suitable vacancies. I cannot without detailed inquiry give my hon. Friend the information he asks about any other similar redundancies.