THURSO STEPS UP PRESSURE FOR NIGG YARD WORK

12.00.00am GMT Thu 30th Jan 2003

Caithness, Sutherland, and Easter Ross MP John Thurso today stepped up the pressure to bring new work to the Nigg Yard as part the the CVF contract to build two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. Speaking in a Commons exchange with the Secretary of State for Defense, Geoff Hoon, MP, John Thurso drew attention to the opportunities which the Nigg Yard offered to fulfill contract obligations not being undertaken at the principal four yards.

Speaking after the exchange John Thurso said:

"The Easter Ross community has given long and loyal support to the MOD through the presence of the Tain Air Weapons Range. It would indeed be fitting if the MOD were to repay that debt in new jobs for a skilled workforce very much depressed in the wake of a downturn in the offshore sector.

"I welcome the assurance which the Secretary of State gave me that there would be "an opportunity for me to make further representations" in respect of what work went to other UK yards. I have arranged a further meeting with Thales plc and am pressing for an early meeting with the Minister. Together with my colleague Jamie Stone, MSP, I shall continue to make all possible effort to capture a fair share of this valuable work."