British Aerospace - Closure At Preston

EDM number 162 in 1990-91, proposed by Audrey Wise on 04/12/1990.

That this House deplores the decision by British Aerospace to close its Preston plant, with the loss of 3,000 jobs; notes that in its statement announcing this, the company said 'overall, the Company is in good financial shape' and described its workforce as 'exceptionally able' and 'skilled, committed, and experienced'; further notes that the company recently announced 1990 half-year results showing a profit growth in the defence sector and forecasting full-year results 'comfortably ahead' of 1989; considers that these profits, which have been made possible by the 'skilled, committed and experienced workforce', should be devoted to finding ways of retaining jobs; calls for work currently sub-contracted abroad to be re-located in Preston; notes that anyone can close factories down but real management skill would be demonstrated by keeping them open; points out to the Government that this closure will have a devastating effect on the Preston area; and calls on the Government to take steps to ensure that constructive solutions are found to save these jobs.

This motion has been signed by a total of 61 MPs.