HC Deb 17 July 1957 vol 573 cc1113-4
5. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Secretary of State for War who will in future carry out the maintenance, servicing and repair of army vehicles at present catered for at No. 31 Base Workshops, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Ashford, Middlesex, when that establishment is closed

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Julian Amery)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave on 10th July to the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (Mr. Skeffington). My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the views put to him by trade union representatives on 10th July. He has decided, regretfully, that the decision to close 31 Base Workshops must stand.

Mr. Harris

Does the Minister think that it is really worth while going ahead with the closing of these workshops, in view of the many thousands of pounds of plant and new equipment which have been put there, even within the last twelve months, and having regard to the fact that there is a large trained staff, many of whom are permanent civil servants and will have to be given compensation if and when this base is closed?

Mr. Amery

All these factors were taken into consideration before a decision was taken.

Mr. Hunter

Will the hon. Gentleman do his best to safeguard the pension rights of the established employees, because there is a clause in the agreement whereby they may not get their pensions? These are abnormal times in which there is redundancy. Therefore, will the hon. Gentleman safeguard the pension rights of the employees and ensure that compensation is given to those who become redundant?

Mr. Amery

The hon. Member's supplementary raises a rather wider question, but I will certainly look into the points he has raised.