§ Mr. Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 24, to debate an important, urgent and specific matter, namely
the major announcement by Corus, formerly British Steel, to make 168 redundancies and reduce shift operations in my constituency.The Workington plant is one of the world's principal railway line production plants. Last year, Corus controversially acquired its French competitor Sogerail, which it is now trying to maintain close to full capacity. The matter is important because the announcement is disastrous for the future of west Cumbria. Jobs are now at stake, not only in steel but more widely in support services and allied industries. Workington already has some of the highest levels of unemployment in the region, and we cannot afford for the steel industry to be run down.The matter requires urgent debate because, at this very moment, Corns is considering further investment decisions both within and outside the euro area, especially in France, which totally undermine the viability of its west Cumbrian operations. Furthermore, decisions taken in Brussels to reduce percentage levels of regional assistance to west Cumbria on the basis that it has a healthy steel industry are no longer valid and need to be reconsidered.
The voice of the UK Parliament needs to be heard. The matter is specific to the national debate on Britain's export performance as, historically, the Workington plant has exported 70 per cent. of its production worldwide, as well as supplying almost the entire UK requirement for railway lines. The decision exposes the unpalatable truth that, thanks to Corns and its management, Britain will change from being the world's leading exporter of railtrack products to being one of its largest importers. The implications for the balance of payments are unacceptable and draconian. May we have a debate, Madam Speaker, if not today, certainly in the near future?
§ Madam SpeakerI have listened carefully to the hon. Gentleman. As he knows, I must give a decision without stating my reasons for it. I am afraid that I do not consider that the matter that he raised is appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 24. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.