§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations have taken place with the management of Linfield Yarns concerning the temporary closure of its factory at Killyleagh, Co Down.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe international market for linen yarn has been in a depressed state for more than two years. During that time the Industrial Development Board has remained in close touch with all the firms in the sub-sector including the Linfield group who own Killyleagh Yarns. Most of Northern Ireland's flax spinners have found it necessary to operate some form of short-time working and in the case of Killyleagh Yarns the management decided to introduce a temporary stoppage during February 1992. This decision was fully discussed with IDB.
In the event there has not been a complete closure of the factory as originally intended. Approximately one third of the work force has been retained in order to meet unexpected orders.