HC Deb 16 March 1955 vol 538 cc1268-9
3. Mr. Albu

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the duties of the Assistant Director (Management Training) in the Dockyard Department; and when the appointment will be made.

Mr. Digby

The duties of the Assistant Director (Management Training) in the Dockyard Department are: to study methods of industrial management in the dockyards and in industry generally; to propose types of training for dockyard officers in management technique; and to suggest improved methods of management in the Royal Dockyards themselves. A civilian officer was appointed to these duties on 1st June, 1954, for an initial period of two years.

Mr. Albu

While congratulating the Admiralty on at last accepting, at least in spirit, one of the recommendations of the Select Committee on Estimates, which reported on the efficiency of the Royal Dockyards a few years ago, may I ask him why he has not provided this information before, and whether he can now make a fuller statement on the duties of this officer?

Mr. Digby

I hope that it may be possible to make a fuller statement later. Training is already beginning, on the recommendations of this officer, and further training will probably be organised later. It is a little early to make a further statement.