HC Deb 23 February 1983 vol 37 cc465-6W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will discuss with Plessey Telecommunications the decision to cut initially 90 jobs at its Exchange branch in inner Liverpool and also its plans for further reductions and the eventual closure of the factory;

(2) if he will make a statement on the plans of Plessey Telecommunications to close its Liverpool, Exchange factory in inner Liverpool, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Scotland Exchange.

Mr. King

Officials of the Merseyside task force maintain continuing contact with Plessey on matters relating to the company's activities in Liverpool. I am aware of the background to the company's decision to close the Exchange works, and, while I much regret the immediate loss of jobs, I do not judge it right to intervene in what is properly the commercial judgment of the company. However, I very much welcome Plessey's decision to maintain the core business of Exchange works in Liverpool, relocating on the Wavertree technology park, to the development of which the company is making a considerable contribution.