HC Deb 22 February 1961 vol 635 cc505-6
39. Mr. Awbery

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what stops he is taking to transfer his Department's non-industrial workers in Malta who are becoming redundant to similar jobs in the other two Services where there is a non-industrial staff; and what steps he is taking to continue the service of draughts-men in the United Kingdom where there is a shortage of these skilled men.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing)

Some posts for established Admiralty non-industrial staff will be provided by the War Department and the Royal Air Force in Malta. Details are still being worked out and it is too early to give any numbers. As, however, neither of those Departments have existing vacancies, any men they take on will replace unestablished staff.

We are investigating the conditions under which it might be possible for Maltese draughtsmen to work in the United Kingdom. One of the difficulties is that qualifications for entry in Malta are not the same as in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that my report is that a large number of non-industrial workers are being dismissed by the Admiralty? Will he arrange with the other two Departments that they will absorb all the men dismissed by the Admiralty? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it has been reported to me that craftsmen are being dismissed by his Department in Malta? Will he ensure that these men are either absorbed in Malta or transferred to the Admiralty in this country where there are vacancies?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We are trying to work out a scheme which will harm people to the least possible extent, but I cannot guarantee that every person who is unestablished and who becomes redundant can be re-employed.