§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on discussions her Department has held with Ford Motor Company regarding the future of Jaguar Motor Car Productions in Coventry. [189387]
§ Jacqui SmithMinisters and officials are in regular contact with the management of Ford Motor Company, as with other major manufacturers in the UK.
Jaguar's announcement on Friday 17 September, covering their plans for the Brown's Lane site, is obviously disappointing, particularly given the workforce's efforts to improve quality and productivity at Brown's Lane. However, given the company's financial performance, tough decisions had to be taken.
I have encouraged Jaguar's management to ensure that their workforce and trade unions remain informed and consulted, and that they discuss what further steps might be taken to mitigate further job losses. However, it's important to note that no compulsory redundancies have been announced.
1852WI am pleased that the company has not taken the decision to close Brown's Lane. Jaguar's Headquarters and administrative centre will remain in Coventry, as will the company's historic Wood Veneer Manufacturing Centre. And I am encouraged that the world leading R and D Centre at Whitley is being retained and welcome the employment opportunities for Brown's Lane workers created by the growth and success at Aston Martin.
I hope that the announcement will help enable Jaguar to address its financial difficulties thereby securing a sustainable long-term future for the company, its products and its workforce here in the UK.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with trade unions at national level about the future of Jaguar Motor Car Productions in Coventry. [189388]
§ Jacqui SmithMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has discussed the situation at Jaguar with both the company and trade union representatives.