HC Deb 05 March 1963 vol 673 cc186-7
14. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works, in view of the amalgamation of the Works Services of the three Service Departments under him, how many civil engineers in his Department are experienced in construction of docks and piers and how many have experience as divers.

Mr. Rippon

As from 1st April next there will be in my Ministry 100 civil engineers experienced in construction of docks and piers, of whom 40 are trained as divers and are below the maximum age Limit of 45 for these duties.

Mr. Digby

In view of the announcement yesterday about integration between the three Armed Services, does not this arrangement seem rather illogical? What can my right hon. Friend offer to offset the inter-departmental delays which there are bound to be? No doubt the people whom he mentioned have been merely drafted wholesale from the Works Department of the Admiralty.

Mr. Rippon

I should have said that our earlier announcements made yesterday's announcement seem logical. This is part of a process of integration which will be very valuable.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the debate which we shall have later today, can the right hon. Gentleman say how many staff he will employ and whether any, and if so how many, military personnel will he seconded from the Service Departments? Will he be responsible for undertaking work for the Service Departments overseas?

Mr. Rippon

The number of staff in my Ministry will rise as a result of these changes from 23,300 to 61,000, or thereabouts. I will be responsible for the building and maintenance work of the Service Departments overseas, and the figure for this is given in the Defence estimates.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the Minister in possession of an organisation to undertake the many requirements of the Service Departments overseas?

Mr. Rippon

Yes, Sir.