HC Deb 13 December 1967 vol 756 cc417-8
30. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he is now taking following devaluation to mobilise surplus capacity in the Royal Naval Dockyards for civilian production relevant to British export and import substitution programmes.

Mr. Foley

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 25th October, 1967.— [Vol. 751, c. 481.]

Mr. Judd

Does my hon. Friend agree that in the dockyards there are vast resources of skill, craftsmanship and capital equipment which at present are not being fully utilised, and that when the Government are constantly urging the full utilisation of resources for production they could become a focal point for growth in the economy?

Mr. Foley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Is it not clear that the Royal Dockyards are quite unsuited for civilian production? What reductions in the total civilian manpower employed in the Royal Dockyards does the Minister now contemplate?

Mr. Foley

I am not sure that that arises from the original Question. There will be a slight fall in the total manpower in the four home dockyards. We are naturally anxious to use the labour forces to the full capacity, and if there is the possibility of subordinate work from outside industry we shall be happy to have it in the dockyard.

Mr. Powell

Will the Minister clear up a contradiction between his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who said that there would be real and painful cuts affecting Portsmouth, and his hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Administration who said that there would be an increased demand upon the dockyard? Which is it to be? Is Portsmouth to be prejudicially affected or not?

Mr. Foley

I think that the right hon. Gentleman is misleading himself and the House with his question. My hon. Friend said that there would be certain reassessments, and these will certainly take place. The hon. Members concerned have already been informed in the case of Portsmouth. It will mean a slight falling off in the level of overtime, and that is all. The four home dockyards have a full order book for the next few years.

Mrs. Anne Kerr

Will my hon. Friend reappraise the whole policy concerning dockyards being allowed to go out to tender to private firms? At present, this is allowed in only a very few limited cases, such as the Colour Loft and the Ropery at Chatham?

Mr. Foley

That opens up a much wider range of matters, and I should prefer my hon. Friend to give me notice of such a question.