Call to evaluate yard closure threat

THE economic impact of the possible closure of a Clyde shipyard should be investigated, MSPs have said.

Finance secretary John Swinney was asked to assess what would happen to communities in west central Scotland if defence firm BAE decides to shut one of the two yards, at Govan or Scotstoun, where 3,500 people work.

A third base, in Portsmouth on the south coast of England, is also at risk, it emerged at the weekend.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan, speaking in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, said: “Will the cabinet secretary undertake an economic assessment to look at the implications of a potential closure of one of the yards?”

“I certainly will consider the suggestion that Mr McMillan has made in relation to the economic impact of the yards,” said Mr Swinney.