HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 c370

4.1 pm

Mrs. Ray Michie (Argyll and Bute)

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the loss of 20 jobs at the Dunstaffnage marine research laboratory, near Oban, in my constituency. The announcement, made at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, deals a double blow. At a time of concern for the sea and the management of the resources that it contains, the announcement underlines the need to do more rather than less marine research. Because of the huge development of the fish farming industry in the Highlands and Islands and in my constituency of Argyll and Bute in particular, research should have a high priority.

The laboratory is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, and the issue is not just one of straightforward, all-round reduction in NERC activities. The lastest cuts hit marine science more than anything else, and they are illogical and misconceived. The laboratory is one of the largest employers in the area, employing 70 people. Staff redundancies of that magnitude will undoubtedly affect the non-tourist element of the local economy and have damaging and grave consequences for a small town such as Oban. I urge that the issue be debated.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Lady asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that she believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the newly announced job losses at Dunstaffnage marine research laboratory near Oban and their effects on the Government's research programme. I have listened with great care and concern to what the hon. Lady has said on behalf of her constituents, but I regret that I do not consider the matter that she has raised as being appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 20, and I cannot therefore submit her application to the House. I hope that she will find other ways of raising it.