§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the employment consequences of the closure of United Biscuits factory, Liverpool, and the subsequent loss of 2,000 jobs.
§ Mr. GummerI understand that United Biscuits Ltd. has suffered from considerable over-capacity for some time and is closing its Edge Hill plant in order to concentrate production in what the company regards as more promising plants. This further loss of jobs in Liverpool is a matter for real concern, but these difficult decisions must be a matter for the commercial judgment of the company concerned. Jobs at the company's other locations are also important, and their protection by sound commercial decisions must not be endangered.
All the facilities of the Manpower Services Commission will of course be available to help those who may be made redundant to find alternative employment or train for new jobs.