§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list any Government assistance which has been given to Associated British Foods, specifically in relation to its Pendleton's factory in Kirkby.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 25 January 1988]: The Department of Trade and Industry has no record of an application from Associated British Foods for assistance for the Pendleton's factory in Kirkby.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will meet a deputation from the work force of Associated British Foods to discuss the proposed closure of the Pendleton's factory in Kirkby with the consequent loss of 185 permanent jobs and a further 200 seasonal jobs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 25 January 1988]: I see no point in meeting a deputation from the work force of 151W Associated British Foods at this time. The company has taken a commercial decision to close Pendleton's factory at Kirkby. This decision was taken on the basis of substantial losses incurred at the plant over the last four years.