PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
FUTURE OF THE RAILWAY MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY (14 April 1993)

That this House is gravely concerned about the future of railway rolling stock manufacture in Great Britain; recognises that railway workshops in Derby, Crewe, and York face the grave danger of complete closure due to the lack of Government action along with British Rail's reluctance to order new rolling stock; understands that with the exception of Channel Tunnel-related activity, new investment in rail is at its lowest level since 1948 despite much of the present rolling stock being outdated and inefficient, creating low standards and serious passenger inconvenience; believes that unless immediate steps are taken to place realistic contracts all future orders would have to go to foreign manufacturers thereby increasing Britain's balance of payments problems and the loss of a highly skilled workforce; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to take immediate action to retain this industry, which is vital to the British economy along with future prospects for exporting British manufacturing.

Sponsored by:
Ken Eastham (Labour)