§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to persuade the Lear Corporation to retain its manufacturing facility in Colne. [61643]
§ Mr. BattleDTI officials at the Government Office for the North West have been in close touch with the company. I understand that the proposed closure is part of the company's planned reorganisation of its European operations, and that the company intends to retain the production capacity and jobs in the UK. I further understand that part of the plant will be sold to new owners which may safeguard some of the jobs. Officials from the Government Office, the Employment Service and TEC will maintain close contact with the local management to offer advice and assistance, and to work with the new owners.