§ 31 and 32. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) what plans he has for the future development of the dockyards at Gibraltar as a result of his recent visit;
(2) how many civilians are employed at present in the dockyard and naval installations in Gibraltar; and what proposals are being considered for reducing the numbers employed.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith)Three thousand seven hundred and fifty civilians are employed in the dockyard and naval installations. As to their future, I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Defence, on 29th May.
§ Mr. JegerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that reply said that the matter is under consideration, and that it has caused a certain amount of speculation in Gibraltar? Will he give an assurance that there will be no far-reaching economics which will affect the labour position 370 in Gibraltar dockyard and that full consultations with the trade unions concerned will follow any proposals that are put forward?
§ Mr. GalbraithI am afraid that I cannot go any further than the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.
§ Major WallWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that the economy of Gibraltar, and, for that matter, of Malta, depends almost entirely on the dockyards, and will he undertake to do his best to get commercial shipping to use these yards for repairs and other purposes?