What steps he is taking to support people made redundant from Courtaulds UK Ltd in Belper.

What steps he is taking to support people made redundant from Courtaulds UK Ltd in Belper.

My thoughts are very much with the workers and their families at this difficult time. Jobcentre Plus has acted swiftly to offer support, including a jobs fair with other local partners for Courtaulds staff and others.

My thoughts are very much with the workers and their families at this difficult time. Jobcentre Plus has acted swiftly to offer support, including a jobs fair with other local partners for Courtaulds staff and others.

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer, and I know that he has a personal interest in Courtaulds. Will he take steps to tighten loopholes restricting companies from moving assets to third-party companies before going into administration, which puts any potential sale of the company in jeopardy?

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer, and I know that he has a personal interest in Courtaulds. Will he take steps to tighten loopholes restricting companies from moving assets to third-party companies before going into administration, which puts any potential sale of the company in jeopardy?

My hon. Friend will know that my father’s first job was at a Courtaulds mill. I have taken an interest in the company for a long time and what has happened is very sad. Current insolvency law already enables assets to be disposed of prior to the start of formal insolvency and before recovery. It is, therefore, possible to take action against directors for misconduct, if that is what the administrators find. We will look carefully at the report when it is published in three months’ time.

My hon. Friend will know that my father’s first job was at a Courtaulds mill. I have taken an interest in the company for a long time and what has happened is very sad. Current insolvency law already enables assets to be disposed of prior to the start of formal insolvency and before recovery. It is, therefore, possible to take action against directors for misconduct, if that is what the administrators find. We will look carefully at the report when it is published in three months’ time.

My hon. Friend is right to bring that up. I am sure that it has been a devastating blow to the local economy in Belper, and I hope that administrators will be able to help keep at least some of the jobs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State...

My hon. Friend is right to bring that up. I am sure that it has been a devastating blow to the local economy in Belper, and I hope that administrators will be able to help keep at least some of the jobs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State...

May we have a statement by the Business Secretary on the yesterday’s demise of Courtaulds, the last hosiery manufacturer in the country? It has thrown 320 people—mainly women—out of work, so may we have a statement on what the Government can do to help such a company?

May we have a statement by the Business Secretary on the yesterday’s demise of Courtaulds, the last hosiery manufacturer in the country? It has thrown 320 people—mainly women—out of work, so may we have a statement on what the Government can do to help such a company?

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures he is taking to assist workers who have been declared redundant by the Courtaulds textile factory in Peterlee; and if he will make a statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures he is taking to assist workers who have been declared redundant by the Courtaulds textile factory in Peterlee; and if he will make a statement.

What representations have been received from Courtaulds Spinning about effect of Turkish textile imports on production at the factory at Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds.

What representations have been received from Courtaulds Spinning about effect of Turkish textile imports on production at the factory at Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds.

What representations listed by date & reference have been received from Courtaulds plc about impact of Turkish textile imports in last 12 months.

What representations listed by date & reference have been received from Courtaulds plc about impact of Turkish textile imports in last 12 months.

What has been total of grants paid by DTI to Courtaulds in respect of its Belmont factory since its inception: when last grant payment was made; if, in view of closure of factory, Courtaulds will be repaying Grant: what advance notice was given to DTI of closure of factory: Includes...

What has been total of grants paid by DTI to Courtaulds in respect of its Belmont factory since its inception: when last grant payment was made; if, in view of closure of factory, Courtaulds will be repaying Grant: what advance notice was given to DTI of closure of factory: Includes...