MP GORDON Prentice will next month meet Rolls-Royce boss John Rose, after quizzing industry minister Alan Johnson on the Government's view of the firm's working practices shake-up.

The company's Barnoldswick factory is one of the biggest employers in Mr Prentice's Pendle constituency, and it has recently discussed with employees changes in work patterns.

In response to widespread concern on the proposals, Mr Prentice asked Mr Johnson to discuss with the company the aero-engine industry, employment levels, and conditions attached to recent cash aid given Rolls to launch new projects.

Mr Johnson said: "I visited Rolls-Royce's main production facilities at Derby, on May 9, and discussed a range of issues of importance to the competitiveness of the company. We discussed the implications for employment levels of Rolls-Royce's review of its strategic operations.

"In November 1997, the Government agreed to provide launch investment of £200million to Rolls-Royce, to assist with the development of the Trent series of large aero-engines.

"The conditions attached to the agreement are commercially confidential.

"The investment is not a grant and is repayable to the Government at a real rate of return, usually via levies on sales of the product developed."

Labour back bencher Mr Prentice said: "I shall be meeting John Rose, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce, later this month. There is a lot to talk about."