That this House welcomes the visit of President Clinton to this country and looks forward to the continuation of good relations between the United Kingdom and the USA; believes, however, that this would be better served by good corporate behaviour of British firms in America; and deplores the attempts by Hanson to cut the wages and conditions of their employees in California.

That this House welcomes the visit of President Clinton to this country and looks forward to the continuation of good relations between the United Kingdom and the USA; believes, however, that this would be better served by good corporate behaviour of British firms in America; and deplores the attempts by...

That this House expresses its deep concern that Peabody Holding Co. in the United States, owned by Hanson plc, is currently in the throes of an all-out coal strike as a direct result of a management policy to deny job security and transfer rights of unionized workers to new mines; believes that such tactics suggest British management is seeking to export confrontational methods which are neither good for the image of British industry abroad or ultimately for the shareholders and customers affected; and calls on Lord Hanson to respond positively to appeals for a negotiated settlement with the United Mine workers of America.

That this House expresses its deep concern that Peabody Holding Co. in the United States, owned by Hanson plc, is currently in the throes of an all-out coal strike as a direct result of a management policy to deny job security and transfer rights of unionized workers to new mines;...

That this House recognises the anxiety of workers at all levels, present and past, of Imperial Chemical Industries at the possibility of Hanson plc augmenting its 2.8 per cent. holding of ICI's shares to gain a controlling interest in the company's affairs; understands the concern of conurbations where ICI units are located that mature relationships between the company and these communities could be destabilised by such a change should it be brought about; acknowledges advice given by Imperial Pensioners (Tobacco and Food) by letter dated 12th June 1991 to the honourable Member for Stockton North in which they 'recommend vigilance and scrutiny concerning both the intentions and the actions of Hanson plc in so far as they can be readily established or are publicly revealed' and commends ICI for committing the affairs of its company pension funds to an independent board of trustees; acknowledges too the Secretary of State's assurance that he 'shall take an interest - if there were to be a bid' and 'consider representations from interested parties before reaching any decisions'; is of the firm opinion that considerations of national, regional and community interests in relation to this affair require firm handling by Her Majesty's Government; and therefore calls upon the Prime Minister to ensure that Ministers and officials do everything to make certain the matter is resolved in this country and in accord with the expressed wishes of the company, its workforce, its pensioners and the communities in which it is established.

That this House recognises the anxiety of workers at all levels, present and past, of Imperial Chemical Industries at the possibility of Hanson plc augmenting its 2.8 per cent. holding of ICI's shares to gain a controlling interest in the company's affairs; understands the concern of conurbations where ICI units...

That this House would not welcome a Hanson take-over of ICI; notes that 800 people are employed by ICI in the Principality at Pontypool, Barry and Pentlyn, and that many Clwyd people work for ICI elsewhere; fears that such a take-over could result in job losses and reduced research and development; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Wales to protect manufacturing in Wales and to condemn any Hanson bid.

That this House would not welcome a Hanson take-over of ICI; notes that 800 people are employed by ICI in the Principality at Pontypool, Barry and Pentlyn, and that many Clwyd people work for ICI elsewhere; fears that such a take-over could result in job losses and reduced research and...

That this House views with great concern the possibility that Hanson plc will soon be making a takeover bid for ICI; notes ICI is Britain's largest manufacturing company and a major export earner; believes a Hanson plc takeover would result in ICI being broken-up and sold off in parts to the highest bidder, which would be a devastating blow to Britain's chemical industry which does not need another forced rationalisation; notes ICI is one of Britain's few industrial success stories with about 70 per cent. of ICI's research being carried out in Britain with about half its manufacturing capacity based here, at over 50 production sites and with a further 200,000 jobs depending on its business in Britain; notes the chemical industry is a net contributor to Britain's balance of trade and that if ICI is sold off it may fall into the hands of an overseas company resulting in productive capacity and research and development moving abroad, and markets won by ICI being taken over; believes Hanson plc's record on long-term investment should give this House cause for concern as it has a very poor record on research and development expenditure in an industry where this type of expenditure is essential; calls on the Government to indicate that it would oppose a Hanson plc takeover of ICI, and refer the bid to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission as being against the public and national interest; and further calls for legislation to be introduced to tighten up regulations governing takeovers and prevent companies that invest in Britain from being taken over by unwelcome predators.

That this House views with great concern the possibility that Hanson plc will soon be making a takeover bid for ICI; notes ICI is Britain's largest manufacturing company and a major export earner; believes a Hanson plc takeover would result in ICI being broken-up and sold off in parts to...