Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 June 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The Bridgend area in south Wales has for a long time been one of the leading places in Wales in terms of job creation, employment and economic growth. Today, however, we have had the devastating news that one of our large inward investors, Sony in Bridgend and Pencoed, which has employed hundreds of the work force over 30 years, has made the sad decision that because of the decline in old-fashioned tube technology for colour television, it will be sacrificing up to 650 jobs. Will the Prime Minister join me in extending his thanks to the work force of Sony Bridgend, who are very skilled and hard-working? Will he also use his good offices to work with the Secretary of State for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government to do what this Government do well, which is to put in place a rescue package for that work force to provide the high-paid, high-skill jobs that will lead Bridgend into a good future for that work force and their families?

Answer: I am sorry that my hon. Friend's constituents have lost their jobs at Bridgend, and he is absolutely right in saying that it is our responsibility as a Government to put in place a proper package of support and help. I know that he will have meetings with Ministers, and I am happy to see him myself about that and to ensure that we put in place every assistance that we possibly can. The situation is particularly tragic since it comes at a time when, yet again, this country has been designated No. 1 for foreign direct investment in the European Union—so we are drawing in jobs. Unfortunately, however, for the reasons to which he rightly draws attention, the changing way that the market is working means that it is very hard for people to remain secure in their jobs, even with excellent companies, such as Sony. However, we will certainly do everything that we can to help people in that situation.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 435 c1290-1
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Electronic equipment Manufacturing industries Redundancy Wales Television Sony
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk