HC Deb 04 February 1970 vol 795 cc418-9
34. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement about the use of Londonderry by the Royal Navy.

Mr. Hattersley

As I announced on 18th December, 1969, the Joint Anti-Submarine School at H.M.S. "Sea Eagle" will move from Londonderry in June, 1970 and the Navy's facilities will then be handed over to the Army. A naval rear party will remain, and the Royal Naval Maintenance Base will continue to operate, until the end of 1970. Thereafter, Londonderry will be visited occasionally by Her Majesty's Ships—[Vol. 793, c. 405–6.]

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Has the Minister formed any new estimate of the number of civilian employee redundancies which may result from the change of use, and of the increase or decrease in expenditure which may result in the area, which is very important?

Mr. Hattersley

We are still working on estimates on both points which the hon. Gentleman raised. He will remember that in any event there will be no forced civilian redundancies until the end of this year. Therefore, there is, I hope, some time for us to make realistic appraisals of what the change-over means.

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