§ 12. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the conversion of the five Admiralty docks at Malta for commercial use; when it is anticipated that they will be turned over; what will then be the estimate of the assets; and what proportion of the present employees is likely to be employed when the transfer is completed.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydUntil the plans of Messrs. C. H. Bailey have reached a more advanced stage, I cannot give details of progress made in the conversion of the dockyard for commercial use. Nor is it practicable to give any estimate of the value of the assets to be handed over. As I told the House on 31st July, it is planned that the commercial company being formed for the purpose should assume responsibility some time in 1959. Considerable progress in planning the take-over has been made, and T hope shortly to make a further statement.
752 As regards the last part of the Question, I informed the House on 31st July of the grounds which Her Majesty's Government have for confidence that the prospects of continuing employment for the Dockyard's labour force are good. Since then a representative of Messrs. Bailey's has stated in Malta that when they take over none of the Dockyard workers will be discharged for redundancy.
§ Mr. AwberyWhen the agreement has been completed, will the Minister give the full details of it to the House and will he see that some clause is inserted in it to protect the present employees of the dockyard?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will certainly look into that.