Eddisbury News
Winsford MP Stephen O’Brien heaps more praise on the Salt Union in Parliament & during second visit with the Shadow Chancellor
Winsford MP & Shadow Health Minister, Stephen O’Brien spoke again in Parliament on Monday 11 January, during a debate on the severe winter weather. During the debate Mr O’Brien, once again praised the work force at the Salt Union and asked all Members of Parliament to join him in congratulating workers at the Winsford rock salt mine.
The further praise for the work force was followed up with a second visit to the Salt Union by the Winsford MP on Friday 15 January, who was joined by the Shadow Chancellor and Tatton MP, George Osborne.
Speaking in the House of Commons on 11 January, Stephen O'Brien said: “I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and the whole House to join me in congratulating the work force at Winsford rock salt mine on their continuous, 24/7 working, be they down the mine, in the office, the order takers or the management.
“I hope that the Minister will take it as a positive and constructive comment that he should look carefully now at avoiding delays in the operation of Salt Cell so that the producers quickly get news of what is required where so that they can then get on with supplying those most in need without further delay. We should also ensure that we learn the lessons of how to resupply in the autumn rather than waiting for the winter.”
The Minister of State for Transport, Mr Sadiq Khan responded: “I hear the hon. Gentleman's point and will ensure that such delays do not happen.”
Speaking about his second visit to the Winsford Rock Salt Mine with Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, Stephen O’Brien added: “It was very helpful to meet with the Mine Manager, Gordon Dunn again and his team following my visit last week so that he could update, both myself and George Osborne, on the latest situation and how the Salt Cell arrangements were working in practice.
“It is important that the Government and local authorities across the country learn the lessons of this winter. They must ensure that they build up adequate stocks of salt from Winsford during the autumn months so that they are prepared for the worst should the weather men get their long term forecasts wrong yet again. The alarm bells should have started ringing when the Met Office’s BBQ summer predictions were well wide of the mark.”
Stephen O’Brien added: “While we were in the grip of the worst winter weather for 20 years, Winsford’s rock salt mine and the workforce became the centre of attention, but I know just how hard the Salt Union works – not just in the winter - but all year round. The praise received from around the country and Parliament is well deserved and long overdue.”