§ 1. Mr. Wallasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he estimates that Admiralty work in Malta dockyard will increase or decline during the next two years; and whether, together with the work undertaken by Messrs. Baileys, this will provide a stable level of employment in the dockyard.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing)The forecast given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on 31st July, 1958, still stands—Admiralty work in Malta dockyard is expected to decline after the end of 1960. The question of the level of employment in the dockyard is one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
§ Mr. WallDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it is of the utmost importance to attract civil work to Malta dockyard? Is he aware that, according to Press reports, it is due to disagreement between his Department and Messrs. Baileys that the conversion of the dockyard to civilian use is being held up? Can he enlighten the House on that point?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI agree with my hon. Friend that the ultimate success of the dockyard must depend on its efficiency and on its prices being competitive enough to attract the necessary commercial work. I am afraid that, without notice, I cannot comment on the Press statements to which my hon. Friend referred.