Disability Benefits and Social Care

Debate between Liam Byrne and Frank Roy

Wednesday 20th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Byrne]

That is an important commitment, but I am afraid that it will be cold comfort to the workers in Remploy factories where business plans must be submitted by Monday if their future is to be ensured.

[Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab)]

My right hon. Friend will know that the Wishaw Remploy factory is earmarked for closure. We have learned that article 19 public service contracts will be available to many Remploy factories, but it has now emerged that Remploy has not even contacted the local authorities to ask them about article 19. Is that not shameful?

[Mr Byrne]

It is shameful, but I am afraid that it is par for the course. After all, that announcement was smuggled out on a very busy day in the House. I believe that the Minister was forced to come to the House at the end of the business to make a statement that she should have been upfront about making.