Caithness Contractors take their message to Minister

12.00.00am GMT Wed 26th Mar 2003

Local MP John Thurso today led a delegation from the Caithness Contractors' Consortium at a meeting with Brian Wilson MP, Minister for Energy, at the Department of Trade and Industry, to explore the potential for maximising the decommissioning work available to local firms.

Speaking after the meeting, John Thurso said:

"I was pleased that the Minister listened sympathetically to the points put across by the members of the Consortium. We are in the early days of decommissioning and it is vital to ensure that there are clear communication lines which allow local companies to have a fair crack at competing for contracts.

There is a tremendous resident skill base within these companies and it would be wasteful and damaging if they were not used to their full potential. Decommissioning offers an opportunity to create a lasting pool of experience and expertise which can help to support our economy after the work at Dounreay is complete.

This is the goal we have to achieve".