HC Deb 26 July 1927 vol 209 cc1026-7
63. Mr. W. M. WATSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of reserve destroyers it is proposed to accommodate in Rosyth dockyard; how many men will be employed upon them; what the nature of the work will be; and whether the labour employed will be naval or civilian?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut. -Colonel Headlam)

The present intention is that 30 to 40 destroyers should be sent to Rosyth, but this number will vary slightly from time to time; the total number of personnel that will be allowed for the destroyers and the depot ship, His Majesty's ship, "Greenwich," will be about 500—all of them naval; a small additional party of civilians, about six in number, will be required for the operation of the floating dock. The nature of the work on which the personnel will be employed is similar to work in the Reserve Fleet, and will be the maintenance of the hull, machinery and fittings of the ships in an efficient state of preservation.

Lieut. -Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that most of the men who are married will have homes in one of the three southern dockyard towns, and will any assistance be given to them to defray the cost of transferring their homes to Rosyth?

Lieut. -Colonel HEADLAM

That is a question of which I must have further notice.

Mr. KELLY

Is it a reversal of Admiralty policy to place this work in the hands of naval ratings, seeing that civilians perform it in other dockyards?

Lieut. -Colonel HEADLAM

No, Sir, it is no reversal of Admiralty policy.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I do not think the last part of the question was answered, the inquiry as to whether the labour employed would be naval or civilian.

Lieut. -Colonel HEAD LAM

If the hon. Member had listened to the reply—

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I did listen.

Lieut. -Colonel HEADLAM

If the hon. Member had listened satisfactorily to the reply, he would have heard that the people to be employed are naval, with the exception of a small party of civilians who will be required for the operation of the floating dock.

Lieut. -Colonel WATTS-MORGAN

Will the Admiralty take care that the men who were taken recently from Rosyth to southern dockyards will be taken back to Rosyth?

Lieut. -Colonel HEADLAM

Their employment does not come into the picture at all.

Mr. WATSON

Will the civilians who are to be employed be local men?

Lieut. -Colonel HEADLAM

I cannot answer that question at the moment.