HC Deb 19 February 1969 vol 778 c456
23. Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an undertaking that cuts in defence will neither affect the work-load nor the number of persons employed in Chatham Dockyard in the foreseeable future.

Dr. David Owen

I must ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Defence White Paper tomorrow.

Mr. Burden

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give a categorical assurance? In March, 1966, the Prime Minister—and I have the letter in my hand—wrote and said—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We cannot have quotations in a supplementary question.

Mr. Burden

The hon. Gentleman's predecessor gave an assurance in July 1966 that there was a full work load for Chatham Dockyard in the foreseeable future. If there is not a full work load now, what is its foreseeable future in view of the Government's defence plans? The Government seem to be unable to look further than their noses.

Dr. Owen

I ask the hon. Gentleman to be patient and to await the publication of the Defence White Paper tomorrow.