HC Deb 01 August 1972 vol 842 cc79-80W
Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals were made by the directors of Newton Chambers during his recent discussions with them concerning the suggested closure of Ransomes and Rapier of Ipswich, concerning alternative viable solutions to provide full-time employment at the Waterside works.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development has been told that plans exist for redevelopment of the site for industry and commerce as well as for housing if a decision is made to close Waterside works.

Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals were made to him by the directors of Newton Chambers in his recent discussions with them regarding the suggested closure of Ransomes and Rapier of Ipswich for the redevelopment of the site at Waterside works; whether he is satisfied with their estimate that this will provide a further 2,000 more jobs for the area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development did not discuss the basis of this estimate.

Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, during his recent discussions with the directors of Newton Chambers concerning their proposed closure of Ransomes and Rapier of Ipswich, what undertaking they gave that it would be a condition of sale for any proposed development of the Waterside works site that a substantial part of this would be used for engineering industries with a high demand for labour.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development has not sought such an undertaking.

Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals were made to him, during his recent discussions with the directors of Newton Chambers concerning their suggested closure of Ransomes and Rapier of Ipswich, concerning an overall plan to be put forward by them to produce employment opportunities of the sort needed in Ipswich on the site of Waterside works.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development is aware of plans to redevelop the Waterside Works site. No specific proposals involving my Department have been put forward.