HC Deb 01 November 1979 vol 972 cc1479-80
Mr. Homewood

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 announcement by the British Steel Corporation today that it will begin a speedy rundown of the iron and steel works in Corby. I seek a debate because 5,500 jobs will disappear from the steelworks in my constituency. This will have a multiplier effect in a one-industry town, and could raise the number of jobs lost to more than 7,000. In fact, a 25–27 per cent. unemployment level will prevail in constituency, and 90 per cent of the unemployed will be males.

This will occur in a town which was created by politicians. It is a town in which people are being positively induced to walk towards the dole queue in place of the one that they left many years ago. This House does not understand what the decision will do to the town of Corby, nor does it recognise its social responsibility. As important as the national steel situation is, I contend that responsibility for Corby's plight lies fairly and squarely at the feet of this House.

The denial of my request would mean that Corby would feel neglected. This morning a total of 20,000 people, out of a population of 53,000 in Corby, marched in protest against this iniquitous proposition, which entails the devastation of a town.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member gave me notice before midday that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the announcement by the British Steel Corporation today that it will begin a speedy rundown of the iron and steel works in Corby. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in the order, but to give no reasons for my decision. I understand the hon. Member's feelings, especially as he has come to the House straight from a demonstration. I listened very carefully to what he had to say. I must point out in passing that there is to be a debate on steel next Wednesday.

I have to rule that the hon. Member's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and therefore I cannot submit his application to the House.