§ Mr. Brian Parkynasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that Davy-Ashmore has purchased Loewy Robertson and as a result of this Tube Investments Limited has decided to close the large modern works of Loewy Robertson in Bedford making over 600 people redundant, many of whom are highly skilled craftsmen; and what action he intends to take to provide suitable alternative employment.
§ Mr. DarlingI am aware of this decision. While I would not wish to minimise the personal problems which the closure may cause, Bedford is an area of comparative labour shortage with an unemployment rate well below the national average. The services of the Department of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour are available to assist those seeking new jobs or retraining.