§ 26. Sir L. Plummerasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what plans he has for the future of the Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford; and to what extent they entail a reduction in the established and temporary staff now employed.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingWe expect to close the yard by about June, 1961, and, with the exception of two small areas, to offer the remaining 16 acres for disposal. Eighty-nine temporary and 143 established posts will be reduced as a result of the closure of the yard. Against these reductions, there will be an increase of 99 posts in the naval store department in the neighbouring Supply Reserve Depot at Deptford as a result of the transfer of work from Crickle-wood where we are closing the naval store depot.
§ Sir L. PlummerDoes the Civil Lord appreciate that the closing of this historic yard is a matter of considerable interest among the workers there? May I also ask what is the anticipated annual saving on maintenance, how will the requirements for additional stores be met, and will the hon. Gentleman have a conversation with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to see that the twenty or thereabouts non-established industrial workers who will be made redundant will be found employment elsewhere?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI certainly acknowledge the first point. On the second point, there will be a saving of about £36,000 a year. On the third point, we are considering the question of absorbing the established and perhaps redeploying the unestablished staff at Cricklewood, and there will also be vacancies at the Supply Reserve Depot for those from the Victualling Yard. As to the last point, I will certainly get in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to make sure that he looks after redundant personnel.