UNITED BISCUITS JOB LOSSES

That this House is alarmed at the proposal to outsource the finance function of United Biscuits to India with the potential loss of 170 jobs in Liverpool; condemns the company's unwillingness to engage in meaningful consultation with its workforce or with the Unite trade union or to divulge any relevant information; further condemns its eagerness to sacrifice workers who have loyally supported a highly profitable commercial operation; notes with concern that the company also plans to invest in manufacturing in India; and further notes that United Biscuits is owned by Blackstone, the private equity concern, which appears to be solely pursuing ever greater profits without taking account of any other considerations.