Chrysler LTD.

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 December 1975.

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Photo of Mr Leslie Huckfield Mr Leslie Huckfield , Nuneaton 12:00, 4 December 1975

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 to discuss a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely the continued uncertainty regarding the presence of the Chrysler Corporation in this country". The matter is specific and important because it has been the subject of negotiations between the Government and the Chrysler Corporation for nearly a month. As long ago as 29th October Mr. Riccardo made a statement in Detroit about the possibility of pulling out of this country.

The matter is urgent because many of my constituents who work at the Chrysler plant at Ryton in Coventry do not know whether they will have a job to go to in the new year. That applies also to the Chrysler works in Stoke and Linwood and to the dealers and component manufacturers. It is also urgent because many dealers do not know whether to continue as Chrysler dealers or make arrangements to seek alternative franchises. Neither do they know whether they will be guaranteed continuity in the supply of cars.

In total, the matter is urgent because, unless a statement is made soon, the confidence which we need for the continued operation of Chrysler in this country, from the point of view of workers, dealers and, most important, potential customers, will collapse.

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

Again, the hon. Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Huckfield) was good enough to give me notice of his application. I have listened carefully to what he said and also to what the Patronage Secretary said earlier.

I do not for a moment dispute the urgency and importance of the matter, but I must have regard to what has been said and whether I now think that there should be a debate this evening or on Monday afternoon on this matter. The answer must be "No", although I accept the importance and urgency of the matter.