HC Deb 05 July 1982 vol 27 cc22-3
Mr. Ioan Evans (Aberdare)

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 announced loss of 880 jobs at GEC-Hitachi Television Ltd. at the Hirwaun industrial estate in Aberdare. The industrial estate is on the border between the Neath and Aberdare constituencies. Over the week-end GEC-Hitachi, which currently employs 1,900 workers at its Hirwaun factory, announced the loss of 880 jobs. In a press release the company said: Since targets were set for increased output in 1982–83 the Company has had to make a fundamental reappraisal of its plans. In the face of severe price cutting in the industry, sales forecasts were drastically reduced. A three day week began in May and lasted for six weeks and pay increases have been deferred. Stocks have now been reduced and five-day working has been restored. In earlier discussions employees and representatives have been kept informed of the business difficulties, but now because of intense competition, if the business is to survive drastic cost reductions are essential. The Company's proposals regrettably will involve reducing the number of indirect employees from 600 to 300 and a reduction of 230 direct employees. 270 employees have already volunteered for redundancy, but to survive, the business needs to retain vital skills and, unfortunately, enforced redundancy is unavoidable. The Company is informing employees' representatives of a proposal to reduce direct employment levels by a further 350 at the end of November 1982. As you will have heard at Question Time, Mr. Speaker, we in Wales have been expecting the Datsun Nissan project to come to the Principality. That would have meant an increase of 3,000 or more jobs. In the past month, with the threatened reduction at GEC-Hitachi, with the announced closure of Panteg steelworks and with the reduction of 1,200 jobs at BP in Barry and Baglan Bay, Wales has lost 3,000 jobs. [Interruption.] I am not arguing the case, Mr. Speaker, I am merely putting one or two points to you.

There is 20 per cent. male unemployment in my constituency. GEC-Hitachi is one of the major firms in the Cynon valley. The workers at the factory increased production by 60 per cent. last year. The firm argues that the problem is a lack of demand. Although my constituents realise that there is a world recession they believe that the Government's policies are damaging British industry. I hope, therefore, Mr. Speaker, that you will seriously consider giving the House time to debate the issue; if there is not a debate very soon there will be no manufacturing industry left.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. Evans) gave me notice before 12 noon today that he would seek leave to make an application under Standing Order No. 9 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 announced loss of 880 jobs at GEC-Hitachi Television Ltd at the Hirivaun industrial estate in Aberdare. I listened with great concern to what the hon. Gentleman said but, as he knows, this is not the only way in which the matter can be discussed. I do not decide whether the matter should be debated; I merely decide whether we should change our business to allow an emergency debate tomorrow. I must rule that the hon.

Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.

Mr. Donald Coleman (Neath)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. While one accepts your ruling regarding the Hitachi factory, which is in my constituency, is this not further evidence of the success of the Prime Minister in that she has now been able to destroy the Japanese economic miracle? The Hitachi affair is part of a growing industrial decline in South Wales. I ask you to insist, Mr. Speaker, on the presence of the Leader of the House so that he may make a statement that we shall be able to debate these matters on the Floor of the House.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman must pursue that matter through the usual channels.