ALLUDING to the news that De La Rue, which has a base in Westhoughton, had lost the British passport contract, Bolton West MP Chris Green asked for a debate on protectionism in Parliament.

Speaking in the Commons last week he said: "May we have a debate on the rise of protectionism around the world, especially in relation to Government contracts, such as when a British company is not able to apply for a contract with another country but a French company, say, is able to take a contract awarded by the British Government?"

Andrea Leadsom, leader of the Commons, called Mr Green's question a 'very important point'. Adding free trade improves prosperity.