HC Deb 08 February 1961 vol 634 cc52-3W
51. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for War what alternatives were considered before he decided to close No. 2 Supply Reserve Depot at Barry in 1963; and to what extent he took account of the recent closure of the Boat Stores belonging to his Department which also provided employment in the Barry area.

Mr. Profumo:

There are at present two Supply Reserve Depô ts in the United Kingdom, of which one is due to close as part of the rundown of the Army. A careful appreciation was made of the merits of each of them, and it was decided that S.R.D. Taunton was more suitable for retention. I realise that the decision to close this depot is most unwelcome to those who are employed there, but I give my hon. Friend an assurance that the question of employment in the Barry area was given full weight in reaching this decision.

52. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for War what consideration he will give to the special problems of older employees at the No. 2 Supply Reserve Depot at Barry, now threatened with closure during 1963.

Mr. Profumo:

Established employees who are over 60 will normally be able to retire on pension. Other established employees will be given the opportunity of transferring to alternative Government employment if they wish. The redundancy procedure to be followed in the case of temporary employees is that agreed with staff associations and trade unions. The local management will co-operate fully with the Ministry of Labour to assist redundant employees in finding suitable work and will not lose sight of the difficulties facing the older man.