HC Deb 26 November 1973 vol 865 cc14-5W
Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the effect upon exports and imports of the closure of the Optical Measuring Tools Ltd. factory at Helston.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been informed by the parent company that it is not intended to cease the manufacture of precision optical equipment and that this activity will be transferred to other premises of the Newall Group. The effect on exports and imports should, therefore, be minimal.

Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consult with the Machine Tool Trades Association and other engineering industry trade associations about the effect on the engineering and allied trades if the proposed closure of the OMT factory at Helston goes ahead.

Mr. Anthony Grant

My Department is in close touch with the parent company on the proposed closure of the factory at Helston. I understand that it is the company's intention to transfer these manufacturing activities to other parts of the Newall Group. In view of this I do not consider it necessary to consult with other bodies.

Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that there are alternative United Kingdom manufacturing resources for precision optical equipment if the proposed closure of Optical Measuring Tools Ltd. takes place.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been informed by the parent company that there is no intention to cease manufacture of this equipment. Manufacture is to be transferred to other premises of the Newall Group.