§ 17. Mr. WALLACEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the number of dismissals taking place at Rosyth naval base, it is possible to provide alternative employment there by the utilisation of part of the machinery and plant in the manufacture of goods for commercial purposes upon an economic basis?
§ Mr. AMERYThis is one of the suggestions which came before the Committee presided over by Lord Colwyn on work in His Majesty's dockyard. That Committee, after full consideration, was not prepared to recommend its adoption, and I am afraid I cannot see my way to embark on a different policy.
§ Mr. WALLACEIs it not the case that alternative employment has been given in Woolwich Dockyard?
§ Mr. AMERYOf course, the position at Woolwich is rather different. I am inclined to think that to attempt to enter into competition with civilian industry at Rosyth would be doing an injury to other industries in the country.
§ 18. Mr. WALLACEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached as to the future status of Rosyth naval base?