Mr. R. W. Brownasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take on the representations of the National Union of Furniture Trade Operatives regarding the merger of Triplex Glass Company and British Indestructo Glass Company, approved by him, in view of the company notice dated 2nd May, 1967, giving categorical assurances to the union of continuity of employment to those employed at the British Indestructo Glass factory subsequent to the merger taking place.
§ Mr. DarlingMy right hon. Friend's decision not to refer this merger to, the Monopolies Commission was taken on the broadest grounds of the public interest and cannot be revoked.
I regret that its consequences do not appear to have been explained properly to the employees or trade union officials concerned and I hope that the Triplex Glass Company will make whatever arrangements they can to mitigate any hardship arising from the merger.