§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many jobs are to be lost in the latest round of Dairy Crest creamery closures; how many redundancies are expected in Derbyshire; what are the levels of redundancy payments arising directly, or indirectly, from European Economic Community funds; what steps he is taking to prevent the closures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryDairy plant closures are a matter for the firms concerned. Dairy Crest Limited has announced a rationalisation programme involving the loss of 450 jobs, of which 153 are at the company's Alfreton creamery which will close at the end of December 1990. There are no Community funds for redundancy payments, but the company's own arrangements provide for payments which exceed the statutory minimum. In addition, the company is setting up job shops at the various sites and is confident that most of those looking for new jobs will be successful.