National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride (Hansard, 8 June 1988)

§ Mr. Adam Ingram (East Kilbride)

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 proposed privatisation of the National Engineering Laboratory at East Kilbride. The Government announced yesterday in a written answer to me that they propose to sell off to the private sector one of the foremost research establishments in the world. The National Engineering Laboratory celebrates its 40th anniversary in one week's time. During the 40 years of its existence, it has established a reputation not only in this country but throughout the world as a centre of scientific excellence in engineering research.

It is the only major research establishment in this country that is not based in the prosperous south-east. It is the only major research establishment in any of the regional development areas.

Given its importance to the Scottish economy, the manner in which the Government made the announcement, without due regard to the need for accountability in such matters to the House, was decidedly unacceptable and showed contempt for the people who will be affected by it.

The Government have given potential purchasers only until 22 July to submit bids for the establishment. That indecent haste will effectively mean that the sell off will take place when the House is in recess and, therefore, will not be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

The announcement is completely at variance with the assurances given by the Secretary of State only a matter of weeks ago, when he denied that such a proposition was likely to see the light of day.

The proposal places at risk 600 high-quality jobs and involves the sell off of a major British resource, without regard to the national interest and without any guarantee for its long-term future.