HC Deb 09 June 1969 vol 784 cc972-4
Mrs. Ewing

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which should have urgent attention, namely, the crisis in the shipbuilding industry in the Upper Clyde affecting the livelihood of 14,000 directly and 80,000 families indirectly and the future prosperity of Scotland". The crisis is specific, obviously, in time, manner and place.

It is important because there are thousands of jobs involved, and many of the older age group would not easily be re-employed; because it has a depressive effect on supporting industries; because it has repercussions over the industrial belt and beyond in Scotland; and because of the vast social consequences, which would be bitter in the extreme if liquidation were to follow the Government's proposals, and failure of the Upper Clyde shipbuilders to exist.

It is important because the loss of confidence following the closing of the yards and the inability to meet orders would have serious consequences for the whole of the future of shipbuilding industry on the Clyde and all over the United Kingdom.

The crisis is urgent as each passing day adds to the loss of confidence and to the feeling of helplessness of all dependent on the yards, and the concern of the public who are wanting to get at the truth behind the variety of statements which have been made, many of them mutually contradictory, and adds to the suspense in the homes shadowed by the loss of future security, or by loss of a future in their own country. The Private Notice Question today underlines the importance of this, and that the concern is shared by others than myself.

It is urgent, because although we have had proposals from the Government we also know that U.C.S. has considered them and is basically unlikely to accept them, and we want an end to the uncertainty.

We want a solution urgently, because the words "Clyde built" are specific and have an important and lasting value in the hearts of men far above the verdict of balance sheets. An urgent solution must be found before it is too late to keep these famous yards in existence.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Lady the Member for Hamilton (Mrs. Ewing) was courteous enough to inform me that she intended to seek an application under Standing Order No. 9.

The hon. Lady has asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that she thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the crisis in the shipbuilding industry in the Upper Clyde affecting the livelihood of 14,000 directly and 80,000 families indirectly and the future prosperity of Scotland. As the House knows, under the revised Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account several factors set out in the Standing Order, but to give no reasons for my decision. I have given careful consideration to the representations which the hon. Lady has made, and to all that happened after Question time, but I have to rule that the hon. Lady's submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order No. 9.

I cannot, therefore, submit her application to the House.