asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that 12 employees of Potez Aerospace have been let go, leaving only 41 people now employed in this industry; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to provide alternative employment for those people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Potez Aerospace.
17.
I am advised that on 7th October, 1966, a week's notice was given to ten employees of Potez Aerospace, Ltd., and that the company are doing everything possible to find alternative employment for the employees concerned. Employment has already been secured for some of them.
Where?
When I put down the figure 12, I had got 12 names from the employees. Is the Minister aware of the anxiety and concern not only of the 12 people who have been let go but also of the 41 who remain, about their future? Is this the beginning of the end or can the Minister give us any assurance at this point that it is not the beginning of the end?
I am aware of the natural anxiety on the part of the remainder of the staff. I cannot give any assurance or make any statement other than that which I made in the House last week.
How long will the Minister continue without making a statement?
I cannot fix a definite date, but it will not be too long.
Is the Minister yet in a position to amplify the undertaking his predecessor gave that a departmental investigation would be undertaken into the affairs of Potez and, when that investigation had concluded, he would make a report to the House? Does that still stand?
It still stands.
Might I ask the Minister if he can give any indication when that report will be made to the House?
I cannot say when, but I do not think it will be too long.
Does the Minister remember what amount of public money is involved?
I gave that information last week.
Can the Minister remember it? Over £1 million, is it not?
It could be.
It was reported in the papers as over £1 million.
And £3 million from Potez.
Can the Minister say how much of that money Potez have actually put into the building of the factory? How much of their money have they there in fixed assets?
I have not had this question down to me today and I am going only on recollection.
Probably the Minister knows more than he is pretending.
He does not, but I know the bulk of the money is in fixed assets.
Would the Minister state whether the employment has been found within Potez and, if not, in what capacity is the alternative employment? Is it in the same type of work or are the workers being asked to change their occupation?
I do not know where the employment was found. I assume it was not in Potez; I assume it was outside. To the best of my knowledge, it is in the same kind of work as that on which they were engaged in Potez.
Is it within the country?
Yes.
Is it a fact this was hawked around Europe?
It is not a fact.