§ 45. Mr. Hefferasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received regarding the proposed 83W closure of the factory of Tubewrights Limited at Kirkby, Lancashire; and what steps he is taking to ensure that this work is maintained on Merseyside.
§ Mr. DarlingThe only representations my right hon. Friend received were from the hon. Member. Much as I regret this closure I have no reason to doubt the strength of the commercial reasons which led to it I am however conscious of the needs of the Merseyside area, and I am pleased to announce that the way is now clear for my Department to purchase over 100 acres of land at Knowsley for industrial development. Construction of two advance factories, previously announced for Merseyside, will begin there as soon as possible.