§ Mr. James Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he 53W now intends to take to mitigate the effects of the impending closure of Inverurie Railway Workshops.
§ Mr. RossI understand that the British Railways Board informed the unions on 22nd January that in the Board's view closure is unavoidable, but that before the final decision is taken by the Board there will be full consultation at a further meeting in the near future. Without prejudice to this consultation, the Departments concerned are holding themselves ready to co-operate with British Rail in seeking another use for the workshops if this should become necessary. In particular, with the assistance of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) publicity measures are being prepared to bring the facilities in the workshops, and especially their highly skilled labour force, to the notice of potential users.