HC Deb 19 March 1974 vol 870 cc855-6
Mr. Edward Taylor

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 that should have urgent consideration: namely, the implications for employment and Press in Scotland of the application of Beaverbrook Newspapers to transfer the Evening Citizen to Scottish and Universal Investments. There is no doubt that this matter is specific because the Minister has informed us that an application has been made and is being considered by the Government under the Fair Trading Act. It is also urgent, because we know that the question of redundancy is being discussed with members of the staff who yesterday were informed that the paper would close on 24th March. We know that it is also urgent because 1,800 jobs are involved in the second most popular daily newspaper in Scotland.

In these circumstances, bearing in mind its importance for employment and for the Scottish Press, it is essential that before a decision is made hon. Members representing Scottish and English constituencies should have the opportunity of discussing the implications of this application by the newspaper.

I hope, therefore, Mr. Speaker, that you will accept my application for an urgent discussion on a serious matter.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the implications for employment and Press in Scotland of the application of Beaverbrook Newspapers to transfer the Evening Citizen to Scottish and Universal Investments. I understand that the application arises from something that has happened since twelve o'clock. I accept that this is an important matter and I realise the consequences involved for a great number of people.

I am not supposed to give reasons for my decision. I do not intend to allow the application today.