§ Mr. Allan Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the employment implications for Scotland of the recent reorganisation announced by the Dee Corporation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Rifkind[pursuant to his reply,6 March 1987, c. 717]: I understand that the Dee Corporation is offering for sale, as a going concern, all 18 Shoppers Paradise stores in Scotland, and 10 of the smallest Fine Fare stores. The employment in these 28 shops is around 450.
I understand further that the Dee Corporation is planning to open, by the end of June this year, nine new stores in Scotland, employing at least 1,750 persons. Thus, the net employment in Dee Corporation stores in Scotland is expected to rise substantially.