HC Deb 07 November 1962 vol 666 cc947-9
4. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to what firms other than Baileys a portion of the Royal Naval Dockyard at Malta was offered; and what were the terms.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewiug

Twelve firms were given information to enable them to consider whether they would be prepared to take over Malta Dockyard on a commercial basis. Messrs. Baileys were the only firm prepared to take the direct responsibility.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the Civil Lord aware that, according to such information as I have, the reason for this is that the terms were so unsatisfactory that no other firm would take over? Is he further aware that Baileys, according to any information I have had, have not been conducting affairs satisfactorily in Malta? Is he aware that there has been grave dissatisfaction about the way they have been conducted? Would the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to publish as soon as possible the findings of the inquiry into Baileys?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

On the first point, there was a very long period of negotiation and twelve firms were given information. There was a consortium of another two firms which was also interested. Therefore, I do not think that the conditions could have been so outrageous as to discourage a reasonable taker. We got a reasonable taker. I will look into the question of the inquiry and a possible publication of the findings.

Mr. Awbery

Are any negotiations taking place at present between Baileys and the Bethlehem Steel Company of America to take over part of the yard?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I read that report in the Press. I should not like to answer without notice.

10. Mr. Awbery

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many men will be out of employment this year and next as a result of the run-down of the dockyard in Malta; how many have already been made redundant; and what steps are being taken to find employment for the men who are being dismissed.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

As already announced, no discharges resulting from the Government's decision to reduce the naval base at Malta will take effect before 4th January, 1963.

Between that date and 31st March, 1963, allowing for retirements and normal wastage, it is estimated that civilian discharges are unlikely to exceed 150, of whom 60 have already received warning notices.

Between 1st April, 1963, and 31st March, 1964, discharges are expected to be about 700.

As to the last part of the Question, I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies that this is a matter for the Malta Government.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Civil Lord aware that half of the 150 will automatically retire because of age? Is alternative employment being found for the men who are to be dismissed not this year but up till 1964? We have invested on loan to Baileys £6<| million for the purpose of absorbing men who are made redundant by the Admiralty. Can he tell us When Baileys will absorb those men who have become or will become redundant?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I think Chat I ought to correct the hon. Gentleman as regards the loan. The loan was mainly to make the dockyard suitable and efficient to accept commercial work. That it now is, and I hope that it will continue to attract commercial work. The question of employment is really a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and I do not think that I ought to enter into it here.