§ 71. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to deal with the unemployment problem arising from the proposed closure of the Marconi Works in Wembley; how many workers will be made redundant; at what date the first terminations of employment will take place; for how long the closure process will last; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. BryanG.E.C. Marconi Electronics Ltd. announced on 14th January that it did not propose to renew the lease of the Wembley factory of Marconi Communication Systems Ltd. and planned to close it towards the end of 1972. It is understood that this would mean some 510 workers becoming redundant, the first redundancies to take place in April, and the balance to be phased over the rest of the year. Discussions, however, are still taking place with the trade unions concerned.
The full resources of my Department will be made available to assist workers who may become redundant to obtain alternative employment.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has yet replied to the letter sent to him by Mr. J. R. Gater, shop convenor for the trades unionists at the Wembley Marconi Works, regarding the proposed closure of that factory and the consequent unemployment of 500 workers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BryanA reply has been sent to Mr. Gater. I understand that the company are still discussing the situation at the Wembley factory with the trades unions concerned.