HC Deb 16 March 1955 vol 538 cc1269-70
6. Major Wall

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the percentage of established Maltese dockyard workers employed in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Malta.

Mr. Digby

Approximately 5 per cent. of the posts for Maltese industrial employees in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Malta, are established.

Major Wall

Does not my hon. Friend think that the figures he has given are lamentably low? Will he agree that, as the dockyard is Malta's main industry, an increase in the numbers on establishment would not only give a sense of security to the dockyard but to the people of the island as a whole?

Mr. Digby

I realise that many would like to see the figures increased, but I must point out that the percentage of establishment is high in comparison with our other overseas bases.

Mr. Callaghan

What is the comparison with that of dockyards at home?

Mr. Digby

In comparison, in dockyards at home the degree of establishment is very much fuller, and there has been an increase in the last year or two.