HC Deb 18 December 1968 vol 775 cc1351-2
1. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which local authorities have been officially consulted during the present review of Royal Naval dockyards and their future.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Dr. David Owen)

None, Sir.

Mr. Judd

Is my hon. Friend aware that for the whole world of dockyard communities, such as that in my own constituency, it is really most important that they should not be presented with a fait accompli by the Ministry and that proper consultation with those communities should take place?

Dr. Owen

The social and industrial implications of possible changes in the dockyard organisation are being fully taken into account, and full consultation is going on between Government Departments. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the normal channels of communication between the Government and the regional planning councils' chairmen will also be used.

Dame Joan Vickers

May I ask why, since I gave evidence before one of the Committees dealing with dockyard technical colleges, I am not allowed to receive any information?

Dr. Owen

That does not arise out of this Question. It is not related to the dockyard review but the report on the dockyard technical colleges.