MANUFACTURING

Early day motion 1241, tabled 20 May 2004 by Adam Price (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 36 members.

That this House notes with deep concern analysis by the GMB Union and the Labour Research Department that nearly 27,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the UK this year, which equates to over 1,500 jobs a week; further notes that 8,000 of these jobs were lost in April alone; recognises that the Office for National Statistics' figures for March indicate that manufacturing output fell by 0.3 per cent., together with 0.5 per cent. in April and therefore the sector is technically in recession; believes that manufacturing is an essential element of the UK economy; notes with dismay the continuing decline of the sector; believes it is erroneous for the Government to blame only global influences on the decline of manufacturing; and calls on the Government to take urgent action by appointing a minister for manufacturing within the Department for Trade and Industry to implement a coherent industrial policy aimed at resurrecting the manufacturing sector.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 7, Plaid Cymru 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Scottish National Party 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, UUP 1.