Mr. Fletcherasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, with the announcement of the closure of Darlington Forge Limited, 60 engineering craft apprentices will be unable to complete their apprenticeships; and what proposals he is adopting to ensure that these apprentices are placed with other firms in the locality in order that they can complete their training.
§ Mr. HattersleyA general approach is being made to other employers in the area to make training places available for these young people. Interviews for some boys have already been arranged. The redundancy will be phased over a period up to the end of April, and my officers will continue to make every effort to find alternative training facilities for all the apprentices
132Wunder Orders XIX, XX, XXI, XXII, XXIII and XXIV, respectively; and what percentage of total placings these figures represent.
§ Mr. Hattersleyconcerned. The Industrial Training Boards for the engineering and iron and steel industries are also giving their help.
Mr. Fletcherasked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to assist the 650 employees who are to become redundant with the closure of Darlington Forge Limited to find other suitable employment.
§ Mr. FernyhoughEverything possible will be done to assist these workers to find other jobs. A team of employment officers began interviewing at the works on Monday, 16th January, and special approaches are being made to employers in the area.