Pit Closures (Hansard, 4 November 1992)

§ Mrs. Alice Mahon (Halifax)
rose—[Interruption.]

§ Madam Speaker
Order. The House must come to order. I have other business to deal with.

§ Mrs. Mahon
This is the humble petition of the residents of Halifax—[Interruption.]

§ Madam Speaker
Order. Will hon. Members who are leaving the Chamber please do so quickly and quietly?

§ Mrs. Mahon
The petition—[Interruption.]

§ Madam Speaker
Order. This is totally unfair on the hon. Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon), who is dealing with business of the House. Will those hon. Members who are leaving do so quickly and quietly so that we may proceed with our business? Mrs. Mahon, please try again.

§ Mrs. Mahon
The petition reads: That the recent announcement of pit closures has filled the people of Halifax with deep concern because of the consequential loss of employment for miners. They are also concerned because of the effect these pit closures will have on employment in related industries. They believe that this short-term policy will be to the long term detriment of the people of Yorkshire and of the nation. Two thousand, one hundred and ninety eight people in Halifax have expressed their concern by signing this petition because they feel that they are neither economically nor socially justified. Wherefore your petitioners pray that the Honourable House will take measures to see that these pit closures do not proceed. And your Petitioners, in duty hound, will ever pray etc.