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Business of the House

I have read the early-day motion and recognise my hon. Friend's concern. I congratulate him on the way in which he has raised the matter. It is important for us all to have regard to the pressures of corporate competition and to recognise the efforts that the Government have been making to ensure that we have the right skills, training and education so that our work force can continue to meet the pressure of international competition to which he refers. I know that my hon. Friend would not suggest that we should engage in wholesale protectionism because that would not serve the interests of his constituents. The Government must ensure that those people who have sadly lost their jobs as a result of the decision are provided with opportunities, training and education so that they can quickly return to the labour market. The healthy economy that the Government have established since 1997 makes that all the more possible.