§ 14. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he proposes to take after publication of the forthcoming White Paper on Defence to ensure the fullest possible consultation between his Department and the civilian workers affected by its implications.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThere will be the fullest consultation through existing Whitley Councils and Committees which are specifically constituted for the purpose.
§ Mr. JuddIs my hon. Friend aware that after a long and anxious wait dockyard workers and the local community will want absolutely clear-cut information on redundancy, pay, prospects, the long-term rôle of the yards and policy on consultation with other Ministries about alternative industry in the area?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI am making arrangements during the next few days to answer pretty well all the questions the hon. Member raises.
§ Mr. RamsdenWill there be a full statement about the outcome of this review of naval dockyard capacity? In particular, will it explain the method adopted by the Government in reducing this capacity, where necessary, and the choice of method as between running down over the whole area or closing down individual establishments? There is great public concern.
§ Mr. ReynoldsAs the right hon. Gentleman knows, there will be a White Paper on Defence published at 11.30 tomorrow morning. I must ask him to await that.