§ 36. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the extent of the redundancy at Invergordon; and what opportunities exist for alternative employment.
§ Mr. T. G. D. GalbraithIt is estimated that some seventy people will be redundant when the run down of the base is completed. I understand that opportunities for alternative employment will be largely dependent on the introduction of other industry into the area, regarding which I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on 5th February.
§ Mr. MacLeodDoes not my hon. Friend feel that there is a moral obligation upon the Admiralty to do something constructive here, because it has been connected with the base for some fifty years and by closing it will disrupt the whole economy of the area? Will he do all he can to co-operate in ensuring that alternative industry is brought into the area wherever possible, such as boat building, for which a certain amount of equipment is available?
§ Mr. GalbraithThe Admiralty has been in constant contact with the Scottish Home Department and the Board of Trade and is doing everything it possibly can to help.
§ Mr. HoyIs the hon. Gentleman aware the the local people put the number of those who will be declared redundant at a much higher figure than he has given? In view of that, does not he think the Admiralty might take some steps with the Board of Trade to attract industry into the area, as it has already been designated by the Board of Trade as an area requiring special attention?
§ Mr. GalbraithAs I have said, the matter is primarily the responsibility of the Board of Trade, but the Admiralty is doing everything it can to co-operate with the Board of Trade.
§ 37. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what equipment at the Invergordon naval base will become redundant.
§ Mr. T. G. D. GalbraithLocal naval authorities have already furnished the town clerk with a list of the buildings which will become available when the reduction of the Invergordon base is complete. I am arranging for particulars of the major items of equipment to be sent to him at an early date.
§ Mr. MacLeodWill my hon. Friend ensure that no equipment is removed until we find what alternative employment can be introduced into the area? The equipment is likely to go to Rosyth and rot there, whereas it may be of far more value if it is allowed to remain where it is until we are certain that no alternative use for it can be found.
§ Mr. GalbraithWhile I am not able to give a categorical assurance, I will certainly give sympathetic consideration to my hon. Friend's suggestion.