HC Deb 17 July 1968 vol 768 cc1406-7
13. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now commission a special inquiry into the possibility of extended civil production in Royal Navy dockyards.

Dr. David Owen

As the House knows a comprehensive dockyard review is at present under way. Its purpose is to ensure that the Royal Dockyards meet their primary task of servicing the Fleet as efficiently as possible. I intend looking at the feasibility of extending civil production in the yards when this review has been completed, but I must warn my hon. Friend that there are formidable difficulties.

Mr. Judd

May I join those who have wished my hon. Friend well in his future responsibilities? Is he aware that in the present passive attitude in the dockyards towards civil contract work there is no one responsible for seeking civil contracts? Has he studied the successful diversification which has taken place in Malta in recent years, and will he take some action as soon as possible?

Dr. Owen

I am aware of both the facts which my hon. Friend mentions. I repeat that there are formidable objections to having extensive civil contract work carried out in Her Majesty's dockyards.

14. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now make a statement on the future of the Royal Navy dockyards.

Dr. David Owen

I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Judd

Does not my hon. Friend agree that this is very unsatisfactory, especially in view of the high hopes for a statement before the House went into recess? Is he aware of the strain which this doubt is putting on dockyard workers and their families? Can he tell us how soon we shall have a statement?

Dr. Owen

I can assure the House that no statement about the dockyard review will be made before the House reassembles. I am fully conscious of the need for urgency over this decision; but it affects many men and it is very important that the right decisions are made.

Dame Joan Vickers

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by "urgency"? This has been going on for a considerable time and is causing much unnecessary disquiet in the dockyards. Does he mean two months or three months or what?

Dr. Owen

I am in no position to give an exact indication when we will be making a statement, but I assure the hon. Lady that it will be as soon as we can do so. There must be consultations with other Government Departments.