§ Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action his Department has taken to protect the jobs of the work force at Whiteley Lang and Neill of Speke, Liverpool and, in particular, those of the 18 apprentices.
§ Mr. GoldingMy Department has been in touch with the company to see whether the temporary employment subsidy scheme could be of assistance in averting the proposed redundancies. We understand, however that the company have decided that assistance under the scheme could not help them in their particular circumstances. My Department has also liaised closely with the Department of Industry on the question of possible assistance under the Industry Acts.
As far as the apprentices are concerned, we understand it is intended that the final year apprentices will complete their apprenticeships with Whiteley, Lang and Neill. I also understand that strenuous efforts are being made by the Merseyside Training Council and the 77W Engineering Industry Training Board to enable the remainder to continue their apprenticeships with other companies in the area.
Mr. Leydenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations have been made to his Department by the employers and trades unions on the pending closure of Whiteley Lang and Neill of Speke, Liverpool.
§ Mr. GoldingWhiteley, Lang and Neill informed my Department in accordance with Section 100 of the Employment Protection Act that it was proposing to dismiss as redundant certain of its employees in September. We subsequently received representations from the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers that the company intended to give effect to some of these redundancies in advance of the date specified in their original notification. Officials of my Department have reminded the company of its obligations under the Employment Protection Act.