CHRIS SKIDMORE MP HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF LOCAL CADBURY’S CLOSURE IN PARLIAMENT
14th July 2010
New MP for Kingswood, Chris Skidmore, has spoken in Parliament about the decision to close the local Somerdale plant in Keynsham, near his Constituency.
Chris raised the issue of the closure, earmarked for 2011, in Treasury Questions. Chris spoke of his constituents’ ‘disappointment’ at the decision, linking the closure to the general decline in manufacturing based jobs in the Country since 1997. Chris also asked the Government what they would do to support manufacturers in the Country.
Commenting, Chris said, “The closure of the Cadbury’s Somerdale plant is a major issue for my Constituents; not only do many work at the Plant, but the Factory itself has an enormous significance and heritage to the local area. The closure is a tragedy on so many levels, for all those past and present who have worked at Somerdale. My hope for the future is that by low taxation and investment in business we can bring more manufacturing businesses to this Country, rather than watch them fly abroad.”
Treasury Minster David Gauke MP responded that the cut in Corporation Tax would help to achieve this.