§ 21. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the up-to-date position with the proposed closure of Caterpillar Tractor company at Tannochside, Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindOn 3 February Caterpillar reconfirmed its decision to close the Tannochside facility. I continue to find the company's decision extraordinary but, given its public stance, I have now arranged for my officials to open discussions with the local management of the company to explore all possibilities for maintaining manufacturing operations and employment at the plant.