HC Deb 15 June 1955 vol 542 cc564-5
8. Mr. Hyde

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the extent of the maintenance and repair work at present being carried out by his Department in Belfast, including the number of men employed; how long it is expected to last; what redundancies are contemplated; and the future prospects of employment in such work.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to aircraft repairs and maintenance.

Approximately 1,000 employees are engaged at the Royal Naval Aircraft Yard, Belfast. Although there may be some variations in the volume of work, I have no reason to expect any redundancies in the near future.

Mr. Hyde

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply will remove a certain amount of apprehension at present existing in Belfast? Will he at the same time bear in mind the continuing importance of this question from the point of view of employment, which is much needed in Belfast?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, Sir. The Admiralty, among other Departments, has this question of employment in Northern Ireland very much in mind.