§ Mr. McGuireasked the Minister of Technology if he is aware that there is a shortage of jobs in engineering in the Skelmersdale New Town, and that this position will be worsened by impending redundancies in the only big engineering works in Skelmersdale; what steps his Department are taking to remedy this position; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. VarleyWe are aware that there is generally a need for new employment opportunities in Skelmersdale New Town. But I am informed that, following discussions between the management and the unions, the number of redundancies envisaged at the firm in question has been very substantially reduced.
During the past three years, nine industrial development certificates have 15W been issued for engineering projects in Skelmersdale, which are expected to provide over 1,200 new jobs in this sector of industry alone.
The Department will continue to encourage new industrial development in Skelmersdale, which attracts the full range of Development Area benefits.