MANDELSON MUST BACK SCOTLAND'S GREEN BUSES.

MANDELSON MUST BACK SCOTLAND'S GREEN BUSES. JOB FEAR AT ALEXANDER DENNIS SNP MSP Michael Matheson has called on the UK Government to clarify if the support scheme for the car industry will extend to Scottish bus maker Alexander Dennis. Alexander Dennis today advised Falkirk West MSP Mr Matheson that it is beginning discussions with trade unions over potential redundancies as it responds to a slowdown in the market. Alexander Dennis is the only company in the world offering a full range of hybrid buses with low CO2 emissions. The UK Government says its support package for the automotive industry will support low carbon initiatives. Mr Matheson, who is to meet with Alexander Dennis tomorrow (Tuesday) said; "Employees will be concerned to hear that discussions on redundancies are underway. This will be a worrying time for them and their families although I welcome the management statement that they hope not to take this action. "Alexander Dennis is one of our leading manufacturers and specialises in the kind of new green technology needed not just in Scotland but around the world. "The UK Government has promised a £2 billion package of support from Europe for the automotive industry - is that money available to Scotland and to Alexander Dennis? "As a firm owned and operated in Scotland leading the world in new green technology Alexander Dennis must have access to this fund if it needs it. "I am confident the Scottish Government will give the company and employees all the support it can - but it is the UK Government that has its hands on this European support for the automotive industry. "Lord Mandelson says this support will favour low emission technology - Alexander Dennis is delivering low carbon buses that cut fuel use and carbon emissions. "I will be meeting management tomorrow and have already been in contact with Scotland's Enterprise Minister who has agreed to make representations to the UK Government if Alexander Dennis does need financial support. "I and the SNP will be pursuing the UK Government to make sure this fund is on offer to support manufacturing in Falkirk if it is needed."