§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the implications of the proposed closure of the Huntley and Palmers factory on Merseyside.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkAny closure of this size must be a blow to employment prospects on Merseyside. However, I understand that the proposed redundancies are to be spread over five months and that several hundred people will be offered alternative jobs at a sister plant in nearby Aintree. The Manpower Services Commission will of course do all it can to help the remainder find new jobs or retraining opportunities.