Written question asked by Brian H Donohoe (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 November 1996. It was answered by George Kynoch (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 November 1996 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: What discussions have taken place between his Department and (a) Robert Wilsons and Sons Ltd. and (b) Hillsdown Ambient Foods Group Ltd. relating to the closure of their Kilwinning plant. - (Holding answer 20 November 1996).

Answer: Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have taken place between his Department and (a) Robert Wilsons and Sons Ltd. and (b) Hillsdown Ambient Foods Group Ltd. relating to the closure of their Kilwinning plant. [5045] Mr. Kynoch: [holding answer 20 November 1996]: Following the announcement by Hillsdown Holdings of its proposal to close its subsidiary Robert Wilson and Sons at Kilwinning, my officials contacted Robert Wilson and Sons to discuss the implications of this decision and the scope for providing assistance towards a project to retain production at Kilwinning. Officials from Enterprise Ayrshire were also closely in touch with local management over this period. However, discussions with the company and its parent company quickly revealed that there was no prospect of the closure decision being reversed. Enterprise Ayrshire has since concentrated its efforts on making available to those affected by the announcement its full range of counselling and training services.

Secondary information