§ Mr. Carol Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) whether she is aware of the proposal to close down, by the end of February, the Robertson Jam Factory at Catford, London; and whether, with a view to easing the situation for the 350 people affected, she will consult the firm with a view to spreading the closure over as long a period as possible in order that those affected have a proper opportunity to find alternative work, as was done by Her Majesty's Government in the case of General Electric Company—Associated Electrical Industries;
283W(2) if she is aware of the proposal to close the Robertson Jam Factory at Catford, London, thus making 350 people redundant; and what steps she proposes to lake with a view to suitable alternative employment.
§ Mr. DellI understand that Robertson's are proposing to close down production at their Catford factory, but that it will be retained as a depot and administrative centre. A total of 60 men and 226 women (including 105 part-time workers) are to be released on 27th February and there may be a few further redundancies later in the year. Arrangements have been made for my local officers to begin interviewing at the factory this week.
Many inquiries have already been received from local firms and the general demand for labour in the area is such that the prospects of the employees affected finding early alternative employment are good.