HC Deb 08 February 1999 vol 325 c111W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with Remploy about their factories in North Staffordshire. [69059]

Ms Hodge

There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and Remploy about their factories in North Staffordshire.

However, I am aware that Remploy management recently informed the workforce and unions in the three Remploy factories in Stoke, Trentham and Newcastle under Lyme of their intention to look into the feasibility of merging the three factories onto one site. I am told that two of the factories are in poor structural condition, and the third does not provide the necessary scope to expand operations. An important aim from any merger would be to provide a more modern facilities with a better working environment for the disabled employees.

I understand that there would be full consultation with the workers and trade union representatives on each site if the project looked feasible. If there was a merger, all existing disabled employees would be guaranteed a job at the new site and help with transport as necessary.