HC Deb 03 March 1971 vol 812 cc429-30W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will require any purchaser of the business of Thomas Cook to safeguard the jobs of employees of that business;

(2) what further consultations have now taken place between his Department and the trades unions representing employees of Thomas Cook; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

As my right hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Member for Leicester, North-East (Mr. Bradley) on 28th January, the unions will be fully consulted at all stages about the detailed arrangements, including the provision to be made for statutory compensation for those whose jobs might be directly affected by the sale. The arrangements are being worked out in conjunction with the Transport Holding Company. In the meantime, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association have undertaken to let us know what safeguards for the staff they would like to see included in the necessary legislation.—[Vol. 810, c. 809–15.]