§ Mr. SpeakerI have received notice of two applications under Standing Order No. 9. I shall call them in the order in which they were received.
§ Mr. John G. Blackburn (Dudley, West)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 proposed closure of the Round Oak steelworks at Brierley Hill.I am sure that the urgency of the matter is recognised on each side of the House. It is a specific matter and it is vitally important.The Round Oak steelworks has been producing high quality steel for the past 125 years. The operation was undertaken in the private sector of the steel industry and assurances were given that the works would form a vital part of Phoenix II in the private sector. It was on this covenant that the works was taken into the care of the newly formed Brierley Hill Investment Company, which is almost wholly owned by the British Steel Corporation.
One year ago, this company, which has suffered heavy redundancies involving the loss of over 2,000 men, was profitable. Over the past few months, the position has rapidly deteriorated and, under BSC control, heavy debts have occurred. Three years ago, over £8 million was spent on a modernisation programme for the plant. It is known that the product is excellent and the management first class and that the unions have behaved in the most responsible manner. They deserve, and receive, my warm congratulations.
I associate myself with the view that if the heavy debt was placed against BSC, where it originated, a most attractive steel plant could be offered in the private sector. This company holds the Queen's award for export in the steel industry. It is a matter of great concern to me that the first intimation that I received of its closure was a telephone message at 2 o'clock yesterday in my office in the House. In my judgment, there has been no consultation.
In view of the circumstances surrounding this, there are three avenues yet to be explored before the decision for closure is taken.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I have been very generous to the hon. Gentleman in allowing him to make comments that he should make only if I grant him the application. I hope he will confine himself to justifying to me the reason that an emergency debate should be granted.
§ Mr. Stanley Orme (Salford, West)So that he can make these points.
§ Mr. BlackburnThe steel works can aptly be described as the jewel in the industrial crown of the West Midlands, which has many metal-based industries. On behalf of the people whom I have the honour to represent, I seek the time of the House to discuss this specific, important and urgent matter, and submit my application to you, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Dudley, West (Mr. Blackburn) gave me notice before 12 o'clock midday 433 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 proposed closure of Round Oak steelworks at Brierley Hill.I think that the House understood that I was seeking not to put the hon. Gentleman off his argument but to bring him on to the right course for me to be able to judge what he had to say. The hon. Gentleman has drawn our attention to a grievous matter, and one that is of great concern to hon. Members on both sides of the House and in the Midlands.
The House knows that under Standing Order No. 9 I am instructed to take into account the several factors set out in the order but to give no reasons for my decision.
I listened carefully to the hon. Gentleman's representations, which were serious, 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.
Later—
§ Mr. OrmeOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Member for Dudley, West (Mr. Blackburn) previously made an application under Standing Order No. 9 about steel and the crisis in the West Midlands. Are you aware, Mr. Speaker, of any statement that may be made on steel either tomorrow or on Monday? I see that the Patronage Secretary is in his place. The House should have some advance knowledge of this.
I understand, Mr. Speaker, why, for your own reasons, you have not accepted the application under Standing Order No. 9. However, this is a matter affecting thousands of jobs in the steel industry. Have you any advance information about the matter?
§ Mr. SpeakerI listened carefully to the Leader of the House, who indicated—I think that he said so in so many words—that his right hon. Friend the Minister would make a statement. That is what I gathered from what he had to say. I have no views on the matter at this stage.