HC Deb 27 January 1975 vol 885 cc27-8W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he received any request for assistance, or prior notice of its proposed closure, from the Imperial Typewriter Company.

Mr. Meacher

My Department was told of the proposed closure on 13th January 1975. The company has made no request for financial assistance.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take action to prevent the closure of the British Imperial Typewriter plant in Hull; and what discussions are taking place with the American multinational company Litton Industries to encourage it to alter its decision.

Mr. Meacher

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked the company's management to consider any proposals which the unions representing the workers at the factories of the Imperial Typewriter Co. Ltd. may put forward and proposes to have further discussions with the management. Until the full facts of the situation have been established, it would be premature to express any view on the future prospects for the factory. The possibility of assistance under the Industry Act 1972 will be borne in mind.

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