HC Deb 05 December 1963 vol 685 cc216-7W
Q11. Mr. Wainwright

asked the Prime Minister what consideration he has given to the telegram he received from the hon. Members for Dearne Valley, Rother Valley (Mr. D. Griffiths) and Rotherham (Mr. O'Malley) concerning the need for Government action to deal with the unemployment that will follow the impending closure of the Baker and Bessemer plant at Kilnhurst; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

I asked the Secretary of State for Industry, the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Power to look into the position which might result from this closure. I understand that about 1,000 employees are affected and that about 900 jobs are to be offered to these workers at other steelworks. The Minister of Labour will continue to make the full facilities of his Department available to any of those redundant who seek help in finding other work, but I do not think that serious unemployment should arise from this closure.