§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made by the Northern Ireland Finance Corporation in considering the possibility of founding a co-operative venture at the former premises of McKee and James, Bangor, in order to prevent the skilled work force from being dispersed.
§ Mr. OrmeThe Government explored every possible means of enabling the work force to remain in employment in this factory and suggested that an approach should be made to the Northern Ireland Finance Corporation about the possibility of setting up a co-operative venture there. I understand from the corporation that it has held a meeting with representatives of the work force to discuss the idea, at which it said that it was prepared to consider assisting such a venture if it could be demonstrated to have reasonable prospects of commercial viability. The representatives of the work force have been asked to set out their proposals in more detail.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why he decided not to offer assistance to save the factory of McKee and James, Bangor, from closure.
§ Mr. OrmeThe Government made every endeavour, in full consultation with management and the trade unions, to keep this factory open. Unfortunately it did not prove possible and the Government decided not to offer financial assistance after a full appraisal of the alternative employment opportunities in the area.