HC Deb 22 October 1979 vol 972 cc50-1
Mr. Gordon Wilson

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 rapid deterioration of the Scottish economy in the light of the impending redundancies in shipbuilding and Singer's works at Clydebank, and the decision of the National Enterprise Board to exclude Scotland as a base for one of its proposed micro-electronic manufacturing plants. We have heard, Mr. Speaker, of the tragic events in Northern Ireland and we all share the sympathy that you have expressed with those who live in the Province. My application under Standing Order No. 9 relates to something which, in another way, is equally tragic—the growing tide of unemployment affecting Scotland.

Since the turn of the year, approximately 21,000 jobs, on one estimate, have been lost in Scotland as a result of the economic downturn. Indeed, since the House rose for the recess there have been announcements of closures and redundancies that have shocked the Scottish community to the core. I refer in particular to the shipbuilding closures, with the consequent redundancies, some of which have been ameliorated. In the case of Robb Caledon Shipbuilders Limited, in my own constituency, a reprieve—I hope permanent—has been given, although 1,100 jobs were threatened. The large manufacturing firm of Timex, again in my own constituency, is considering making 600 people redundant. The effect of that would be to bring unemployment in Dundee up to about 13 per cent.

Elsewhere in Scotland we have heard of the redundancies that are taking place at Singer's factory, where 3,000 jobs will be lost as a result of the impending closure of that plant, with no prospect of any new major enterprise coming to the area. Of course, the House has also heard, through the newspapers, about the decision that has been taken by the National Enterprise Board that Scotland is not to be considered as a base for the new microelectronic plants which are to be sponsored by the board with public money.

In view of the tragic effects of unemployment on the Scottish community, and the fears of redundancy, I hope that the House will take these matters into consideration and, through you, Sir, arrange an urgent debate on these matters.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. Wilson) gave me notice before 12 o'clock midday today that he would seek to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the rapid deterioration of the Scottish economy in the light of the impending redundancies in shipbuilding and Singer's works at Clydebank, and the decision of the National Enterprise Board to exclude Scotland as a base for one of its proposed micro-electronic manufacturing plants. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9, I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the order, but the House has specifically instructed me to give no reasons for my decision.

I listened very carefully to what the hon. Gentleman submitted but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and therefore I cannot submit his application to the House.