HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc432-4
13. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future of Whitley Committees in the planned reorganisation of Royal Naval Dockyards.

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

This question is now under review, and I shall consider changes as the reorganisation develops.

Mr. Judd

Will my hon. Friend agree that in the modernisation of the yards communication and consultation are crucial, and that if this is to be successful the Whitley Committees will in future have to be chaired by the general managers, with their increased responsibilities?

Dr. Owen

To stimulate productivity, it is our intention that general managers will be given greater powers in their yards; they will, however, exercise these powers within their own departments, and their position in relation to the Whitley Committees will, as I have already said, be considered in this context.

26. Mr. Boston

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations are now taking place following his recent announcement about reorganising Her Majesty's Dockyards.

Dr. David Owen

Consultations are now taking place between the Navy Department and the Departments of Economic Affairs and Employment and Productivity.

Discussions have also been initiated with the dockyard Whitley representatives on both the national and local levels. In addition we have held a symposium about the details of the decisions concerning the dockyards. This symposium was attended by members of the Whitley Councils and Committees and by a number of district union officials.

Mr. Boston

Will my hon. Friend accept that the humanity as well as efficiency with which this reorganisation is being carried through is very commendable? What progress is being made in the talks with the trade unions, particularly on the question of retraining men made redundant? When will the outcome of the talks be revealed?

Dr. Owen

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. We have laid great emphasis on the need to get adequate retraining facilities in agreement with the trade unions in the discussions which have arisen over the whole range of the current dockyard review, and the progress made is satisfactory.

Dame Joan Vickers

What is the expected rundown in the labour force during the coming year?

Dr. Owen

If the hon. Lady will put down a Question on that, I will endeavour to answer it.