HC Deb 06 February 1963 vol 671 cc425-7
6. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many men he has discharged from Her Majesty's Dockyard, Malta this year; and what further discharges are anticipated in the near future.

Mr. C. Ian On-Ewing

Discharges resulting from the decision to run down the naval base over the next four years began on 4th January this year and number 80 to date. By 31st March this year a further 10 will be discharged. These figures exclude normal wastage and voluntary retirement.

Mr. Hynd

If the Royal Navy has no further use for this dockyard, is the hon. Gentleman exploring the possibility of an alternative use in view of the absence of other work in Malta? Is he considering the possibility, for example, of using it as a training centre, or as a naval base or in some other way?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Perhaps I could clear up the slight confusion in terms. In the Question, the hon. Gentleman uses the term "Her Majesty's Dockyard". The dockyard is no longer Her Majesty's. It is now administered by Messrs. Bailey. That is why in the reply I referred to "the naval base". There is a continuing need for the naval base, although there will be a run-down, as I forecast. I will examine the other points which the hon. Gentleman raised.

Mr. Awbery

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the transfer of the dockyard to Messrs. Bailey a tacit undertaking was given that there would be no change until the dockyard was ready to be used as a commercial undertaking? As these changes are taking place, am I to understand that that undertaking is being broken by the Minister?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

There are a number of Questions later on the Order Paper about this issue. Perhaps I could leave it until we come to them.

7. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what compensation is paid to men discharged from Her Majesty's Dockyard, Malta.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Very few, if any, established staff will be discharged. We have arranged greatly improved rates of gratuity for unestablished staff. A man with 15 years service will get 25 weeks pay, a man with 25 years service will get 85 weeks pay. I will, with permission, he saying that the only people discharged circulate the details in the OFFICIAL in future will be unestablished staff? REPORT.

Mr. Hynd

The hon. Gentleman says that few people will be discharged. Is

GRATUITIES FOR LOCALLY-ENTERED UNESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL STAFF
Old Scheme (In force until 31st October, 1962.)
Qualifying Service … … 5 years
Amount payable:—
For each year's service up to 5 … … one week's pay
For each year's service over 5 up to 10 … … two weeks' pay
For each year's service over 10 … … four weeks' pay
Maximum amount payable … … one year's pay
New Scheme (In force on and after 1st November, 1962)
Qualifying Service … … 1 year
Amount payable:—
For each year's service up to 5 … … one week's pay
For each year's service over 5 … … four weeks' pay
Maximum amount payable … … no limit

Comparison of gratuities payable under the two schemes:—

Years of Service 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 25 30
Gratuities in number of weeks' pay
Old Scheme … 0 0 0 0 5 15 35 52 52 52
New Scheme … 1 2 3 4 5 25 45 65 85 105

Example: Skilled labourer with 30 years' service receiving£7 a week wages.

Gratuity under old scheme … … … … … £364
Gratuity under new scheme … … … … … £735

Established Staff

On "abolition of office" established employees are entitled to pensions or gratuities on the same scales as apply to U.K. Staff. Very few established staff will, however, be affected.