Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to whether any company has agreed to take over and run Rowntree-Mackintosh's Edinburgh plant; and if he will make a statement.
41W
§ Mr. Allan Stewart[pursuant to his reply, 18 February 1986, c. 128]: I understand that the management consultants commissioned by the company have investigated the possibility of finding a manufacturer to continue operating the present factory with its existing work force. After a number of approaches, both in the United Kingdom and other countries, they have concluded that there is no reasonable prospect of finding such an employer. The company has made it clear that the factory and the site could be used for the continuing benefit of the employees and the community. Various suggestions have been made and it may take the company some time to form a judgment on the merits of these proposals.