§ Mr. James Tinn (Redcar)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 recent serious developments in the steel industry causing widespread uncertainty and pessimism in the industry and the necessity for the Government to state their views and to make proposals to the House to secure the steel industry's future.The urgency is, I am sure, recognised on both sides of the House. It arises from the massive transformation that has occurred since earlier this year. Following most remarkable and considerable sacrifices in terms of manpower and closures, achieved with the co-operation of the work force, the industry was a few months ago set fair on the survival plan put forward by the British Steel Corporation and supported by the Government.
Over the last few months, that situation has rapidly deteriorated. I seek an opportunity for the House to discuss the causes behind this deterioration. The urgency that leads me to make this application is the belief that the Government will shortly receive proposals from the British Steel Corporation. Some of the options are likely to have grievous and damaging effects on steel-producing areas.
The Government will no doubt wish to come to an early decision on these matters and, before the final decision is taken, it is essential that the House and the hon. Members most directly interested should have an opportunity to put their points to the Government in a consultative process.
In my home town of Consett, this is certain to be a lean Christmas, and in every steel—producing area in the country it will be a worried one. I seek time for the House to discuss this problem and to vote for some assurances from the Government.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Redcar (Mr. Tinn) gave me notice before 12 o'clock midday that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the recent serious developments in the steel industry causing widespread uncertainty and pessimism in the industry and the necessity for the Government to state their views and make proposals to the House to secure the steel industry's future.The hon. Gentleman reminded the House that all hon. Members realise that this is an important matter, and on that point he will have universal agreement. I listened with great care to what the hon. Gentleman had to say, because I know that this is an important matter in his constituency and in the country. However, the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provision of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.