FALMOUTH DOCKS (Hansard, 29 January 1979)

§ Mr. Mudd

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 reported plan for the closure of Falmouth docks. The specific and important nature of this is that the Financial Times has carried a report that the Government have been notified of the intention of British Shipbuilders to close its ship repair yard at Falmouth with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs. According to the Financial Times on Friday, British Shipbuilders would not confirm the plan last night, but the matter has been considered by a ministerial committee, which appears to feel that the closures will be less difficult politically than several more sensitive closures under consideration. I hope that this quotation covers the requirement that a matter raised under Standing Order No. 9 should be both specific and fall within the aspect of ministerial responsibility.

1055 I turn to the requirement that the submission must refer to a matter of great importance. At Falmouth at present male unemployment stands at more than 1,000—representing a percentage of 15.4. If more than 1,000 more men were added to that shameful tally, local male unemployment would be about 28 per cent. and Falmouth could become the Jarrow of the 1980s.

Finally, I turn to the urgent aspect. British Shipbuilders is unwilling to give an authoritative statement either confirming or denying that a closure is planned. Therefore, it is urgent that a statement should be made by the Government. It is also urgent that the House should debate what can be done to provide alternative work in Falmouth if the yard is scheduled for closure. If it is not, it is urgent that this fact should be stated so that ship owners will be reassured that Falmouth will stay open and they will continue seeking tenders from that port.

It should be stated once and for all that industrial relations are not bad in Falmouth docks. There has been no strike of any sort during the past three years.

It is urgent that through a proper debate British Shipbuilders should be asked to ensure in future that the men who work in its shipyards should hear all news, good or bad, through their own union representatives rather than through uncorroborated and undenied newspaper reports.