KVAERNER PROGRESS LEADS TO CANCELLATION OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE MEETING

Committee Convener, John Swinney MSP, said today:

"We set up the meeting with the aim of assisting in the search for a solution to the difficulties at Kvaerner.

"Events have moved on, and whilst negotiations are at an advanced stage the workforce, which had wished us to meet, has asked us not to proceed with Friday's meeting.

We will be monitoring the situation very carefully, and seeking assurances, and further details as they become available. The Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish MSP, has agreed to keep the Committee fully informed of developments over the next few days and weeks.

"The Committee may wish to hold an inquiry into the matter at a later date, once the full details of the agreement have become clear and to identify lessons that require to be learned from this case."

BACKGROUND NOTE

The Enterprise and lifelong learning committee is chaired by John Swinney MSP. The other members are Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP); Miss Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland) (Con); Mr Nick Johnston (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con); Marilyn Livingstone (Kirkcaldy) (Lab); George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD); Ms Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (MSP); Mr Duncan McNeil (Greenock and Inverclyde) (Lab); Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab); Elaine Thomson (Aberdeen North) (Lab) Allan Wilson (Cunninghame North) (Lab).