HC Deb 09 July 1974 vol 876 c410W
29. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on redundancies in the brick-making industry.

Mr. John Fraser

My information is that 115 workers have become redundant following the closure of two brickyards in the Peterborough area and 430 may become redundant in the late summer as a result of termination of the night shift at two brickworks in Bedfordshire and 150–180 for the same reason in Buckingham. It is not yet known how many will be redeployed in other brickworks.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many works in the Fletton brick industry have been threatened with closure; and what are the number of workers likely to be laid off.

Mr. Booth

Two brickworks in the Fletton brick industry in Peterborough closed on 5th July 1974 and 115 workers were affected, but 62 only were made redundant. 430 workers in Bedfordshire and 150–180 at Buckingham are likely to be affected by decisions to terminate the night shift at three brickworks in these areas, but it is not known how many will become redundant.