§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many carpet factories have closed in the United Kingdom during 1980 and 1981, giving the names of factories and counties; and how many persons have been declared redundant as a result of these closures.
§ Mr. MacGregorNational information on the number of closures and consequent redundancies is not available and could not be provided without disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what have been the reasons for carpet factory closures during the past two years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe reasons given for factory closures have included a reduction in demand because of the world-wide recession, import competition, cash flow problems and insolvency. Particular difficulties have arisen from the substantial overcapacity resulting from earlier investment as a result of rising demand in the early 1970s. Production peaked in 1976 but has since declined.