Rolls-Royce (Aerospace Group) Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Lilian Greenwood

Main Page: Lilian Greenwood (Labour - Nottingham South)

Rolls-Royce (Aerospace Group)

Lilian Greenwood Excerpts
Wednesday 5th November 2014

(9 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text

Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Yes, I would be delighted to come back to Pendle. I well remember my visit and seeing some of the apprentices who are being trained in Pendle in exactly these sorts of areas. We have got to make sure that that continues in the future, so I look forward to coming back in the next six months.

Lilian Greenwood Portrait Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

The Minister will know that Derby and Derbyshire are home to the largest cluster of rail engineering companies in the world. What assessment has he made of the impact of Rolls-Royce’s announcement on the wider engineering and manufacturing supply chain in the east midlands—he mentioned apprenticeships—and what is he doing to address the concerns?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Of course any impact on the supply chain must be taken into account in responding to this decision. The fact that there are engineering shortages, which I think the hon. Lady acknowledges, is a challenge for this country, but it is also a glimmer of light for those affected by this decision, because it means there are more job opportunities in engineering and related activities. We must make the most of that glimmer of light, while supporting those made redundant following this decision.