§ 53. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many people have lost their employment as a consequence of the closure of James Brown and Company Limited, Penicuik, Midlothian; and if she will break down the figures into males, females and juveniles.
§ Mr. FernyhoughFour hundred and fifty-four people are affected by this closure (238 men, 176 women and 40 juveniles). I understand about 250 have already left.
§ 54. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many of the former employees of James Brown and Company Limited, Penicuik, qualify for redundancy pay; and what is the total sum involved.
§ Mr. HattersleyIt is estimated that about 225 employees will qualify for re-172W dundancy payments. Because the company is insolvent the employees concerned are applying to my Ministry for payments to be made to them direct from the Redundancy Fund. The total amount involved will not be known until all the employees have been discharged and all applications have been dealt with.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what steps have been taken to assist former employees of James Brown and Company Limited, Penicuik, Midlothian, to find alternative employment.
§ Mr. FernyhoughAll employees wishing to register have been seen by our employment officers and special approaches are being made on their behalf to firms in the area, including other paper mills. Several employers have arranged to interview at the mill. Everything possible will be done to help the redundant workers to find other jobs.