§ Mr. Tony Lloyd (Stretford)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
GEC's announcement yesterday of a redundancy programme which will cause the loss of 370 jobs at GEC in Trafford park.The matter is specific, because yesterday's announcement will directly destroy jobs and training opportunities in the Stretford area, a constituency which already suffers unemployment massively in excess of the national average. The announcement is a tragedy not just for Stretford but for the whole Manchester area.The matter is important because Trafford park in general and GEC in particular have suffered enormous job losses over the years, particularly since the Government came to power. We have seen the loss of skills of a work force whose skills in the past made Trafford park the nation's engine room. The matter is important also because we see clearly that the United Kingdom turbine manufacturing industry is threatened by the lack of orders on its books, caused partly by domestic policy and partly by a reduction in world demand.
The matter should have urgent consideration so that the Government, the Central Electricity Generating Board and the turbine manufacturing industry can together study the long-term future of turbine supply to safeguard the domestic manufacturing industry. The matter should also receive urgent consideration so that the need to maintain and prevent further erosion of the skill base in the Manchester area is recognised, because the area has invested in the skills of its work force and it is entitled to see those skills utilised.
Mr. Speaker, I submit that this matter is specific, important and urgent. I request that you rule accordingly.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Lloyd) asks leave 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,
GEC's announcement yesterday of a redundancy programme which will cause the loss of 370 jobs at GEC in Trafford park.I have listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said, and I well understand the concern that he feels for his constituents. He knows that the only decision I have to reach is whether this matter should have precedence over the business set down for today or tomorrow.I regret that I do not consider the matter that the hon. Gentleman has raised as appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10; therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.