§ Mr. Derek Foster (Bishop Auckland)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,
the announcement this weekend by Randolf Coke and Chemical Company Ltd. of the closure of its only coke oven works at Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, in my constituency.This is a specific matter, in that this closure by a profitable parent company, Coalite, will involve the loss of 134 jobs in an area where male unemployment is already 25 per cent.The matter is urgent, in that the 90-day redundancy notices have already been issued, but actual coke production is expected to close well in advance of that date.
It is an important matter, because the loss of the 134 jobs will involve a further 50 subcontract jobs losses. Most of the workers live in the village of Evenwood, which has a population of only 2,000, in which there are no alternative jobs, and which is situated only a few miles from Shildon, where British Rail Engineering Ltd. is determined to close its works later this year.
I hope, Mr. Speaker, that you will give sympathetic consideration to my request.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Foster) 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,
the closure of Randolf Coke and Chemical Company Limited coke works at Evenwoodin his constituency, with the loss of all 134 jobs and about 50 jobs in subcontracting.I well understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, but the only decision that I have to take is whether the matter should take precedence over the business set down for today or tomorrow.
I listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said, but I regret that I do not consider that the matter that he raised is appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10 and I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.