Local MP meets again with Union Officials from DARA Almondbank and extends invite to Defence Ministers

8 January 2008

Ochil & South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks today again met with Union Officials and Shop Stewards in London to discuss the future of the DARA facility at Almondbank in his constituency. Mr Banks met with Defence Minister Baroness Taylor in December where she advised him that the MOD had considered Union proposals but had concerns over certain aspects.
 
Mr. Banks said – “These discussions are very important as they concern the livelihoods of DARA’s workforce but also the Ministry of Defence’s ability to maintain its helicopter fleet.  Inevitably the main focus of the discussions was the Unions position with regard to the Government’s proposals to sell DARA to Canadian firm, Vector Aerospace.”
 
“My primary focus for now is to ensure that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) fully absorbs and gives appropriate consideration to the proposals put forward by the Unions representing DARA employees.”
 
“The Unions views must be considered fully by the MOD before a decision is reached. If proposals cannot be adequately considered before the expected decision date then I will be pressing the MOD to delay a decision until all sides of the argument have been presented, fully debated and the Unions have had an opportunity to respond to any concerns the Minister may have.”

“Therefore I will be writing further to the Minister to seek an immediate meeting with her so that her concerns can be discussed in greater detail with myself and other interested parties.”
 
“I will also be extending an invitation to Defence Secretary, Des Browne and Baroness Taylor to visit the Almondbank facility to see first hand the quality of work produced at Almondbank in support of our front line forces. In my mind, it is only fair that the MOD Ministers and decision makers should visit the facility before they embark on any course of action.