§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the recent job losses at the GPT factory, Edge lane, Liverpool; what action has been taken to secure further overseas orders for System X; and what initiatives are being taken to secure alternative employment for existing employees.
§ Mr. RedwoodI am sorry to see the announcement of possible job losses at GPT. The Government's task is not to influence a company's commercial decisions but to create the right environment for success. The Government have regularly supported GPT's products and projects abroad, including System X, financially through the aid and trade provision (ATP) wherever possible. It will continue to do so. DTI officials are discussing with GPT's management ways of attracting new investment to the Liverpool site.