YORK MP Hugh Bayley today declared he was not afraid to risk unpopularity by admitting Norwich Union could save money and ultimately grow stronger by switching jobs to India.

He was due to raise the decision by Aviva, Norwich Union's parent company, to export 2,350 posts overseas in a special House of Commons debate.

The move has been labelled "deplorable" by union leaders.

But Mr Bayley said, while he regretted the move, he could not publicly pretend it could be reversed - or there were no advantages to the firm.

Speaking ahead of the debate, he told the Evening Press: "Politicians should tell the truth, even if it makes them unpopular in bringing bad news.

"The truth is that industry can sometimes provide jobs in call centres more efficiently overseas than in Britain. The Indian government is building technical centres which are hi-tech and have the infrastructure to support these jobs."

Mr Bayley said Norwich Union risked falling behind its global competitors if

it did not take advantage of the chance to make savings.

In the long-term, this could ultimately cost more jobs in York, as it would lose business and could be "gobbled up" by a rival.

By saving money, the company could grow stronger and win more business - boosting jobs in sales and other parts of the business based in the city.

This would give York the chance of becoming the home of the international base of a leading player in the world insurance market, he said.

"I feel it is better the company adjusts early with a minimum loss of jobs than waiting until a crisis is created because its policies have become less competitive."

But white-collar union Amicus has labelled the move "deplorable" and based on

greed. Karen Reay, Amicus' lead officer for Aviva Life employees, said: "We have told the company quite clearly that we will be aggressively campaigning to keep the jobs in the UK. I am very disappointed that (Mr Bayley) has said that, and I am sure his constituents in York will be as well."

The company has said it hopes not to move any of its 3,000 jobs from York, but has not made any guarantees.

Updated: 11:41 Wednesday, December 10, 2003