Oral Answers to Questions — British Shipbuilders (Headquarters)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 April 1977.

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Photo of Mr David Hunt Mr David Hunt , Wirral 12:00, 20 April 1977

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, The decision of the Secretary of State for Industry annouced today that the headquarters of British Shipbuilders are to be located in the North-East of England instead of on Merseyside as had been anticipated. This matter is clearly specific. It is of vital importance not just to the country but in particular to Merseyside, with its enormously high rate of unemployment. We had felt quite strongly that Merseyside fulfilled all the criteria of the Organising Committee. It has come as a body blow to all those concerned with shipping on Merseyside that Merseyside has been overlooked. The situation requires urgent consideration because unless this House has an opportunity of debating this decision it will be too late. I therefore ask, Mr. Speaker, that you allow me to move the Adjournment of the House on these three conditions—that it is specific, important and requires urgent consideration.

Photo of Mr George Thomas Mr George Thomas , Cardiff West

The hon. Member for Wirral (Mr. Hunt) asks leave under Standing Order No. 9 to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and import-and that was a private Act of 1958 by urgent consideration, namely, The decision of the Secretary of State for Industry announced today that the headquarters of British Shipbuilders are to be located in the North-East of England instead of on Merseyside as had been anticipated. I listened with care to what the hon. Gentleman said. He knows that I am not judging the importance of the issue but whether it must take priority over the business of the day. I am afraid I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.