§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has assessed the effect of the proposed closure of the United Biscuits plant on the unemployment situation on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Monday 27 June. — [Vol. 44, c.19]. I understand that the proposed closure is not due to be finalised until 1986. Any closure of this size, even spread over a number of years, must be a blow to employment prospects in Merseyside. The precise effect that it will have on the unemployment situation in Merseyside cannot be estimated accurately three years in advance of its completion.