Dockyard (Hansard, 7 July 1959)

§ 21. Mr. Wall
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the civilianisation of Malta Dockyard; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
In my statement of 31st July last, I informed the House of Her Majesty's Government's decision that the Malta dockyard should be converted to a commercial yard and transferred to a commercial ship-repairing firm. From then onwards Messrs. C. H. Bailey of South Wales, worked in close consultation with Her Majesty's Government on the conversion plans and other arrangements for the take-over. These arrangements, including the formation of the local company (Bailey (Malta) Ltd.) which is to run the dockyard, were completed in March. A 99-years' lease was signed in Malta on 29th March and Bailey (Malta) Ltd. took over the dockyard on 30th March. When the dockyard was handed over about 6,000 Admiralty employees were discharged and immediately re-employed by Baileys. I understand that planning for the physical conversion and extension of the dockyard, towards the cost of which Her 1101 Majesty's Government are making available a sum of up to £6 million, has now reached an advanced stage. Since the hand-over the dockyard has been occupied with its normal level of naval work and in addition twelve commercial ships and one warship have been handled there. Nine other specific inquiries calling for tenders for work on commercial ships are at present being dealt with by Baileys.

§ Mr. Wall
I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does it not illustrate that Her Majesty's Government are doing all that they can to put Malta on its feet economically? Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that once economic success has been achieved in Malta an equally rapid constitutional advance may be made?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
It is important to get the economic position of Malta firmly established. I share with my hon. Friend the desire that at the appropriate time a more liberal constitution shall be restored.

§ Mr. Callaghan
In view of the early part of the Secretary of State's Answer, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is still satisfied that it will be possible for Baileys to continue to employ 6,000 dockyard workers?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
Nothing has happened to alter the optimistic estimate that I was able to give the House at an earlier date.