HC Deb 04 March 1970 vol 797 cc396-7
19. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the progress of productivity negotiations in Portsmouth naval dockyard.

Dr. David Owen

Negotiations covering the port auxiliary service are proceeding satisfactorily. Discussions about other areas of Portsmouth Dockyard are temporarily in abeyance pending resolution of certain points which have been referred up to the Shipbuilding Trades' Joint Council.

Mr. Judd

Would my hon. Friend not agree that, if there is to be a satisfactory outcome to these productivity negotiations, the Government must continue to demonstrate their determination to seek conditions of employment in naval dockyards which are at least comparable with those in similar industry outside?

Dr. Owen

I agree with my hon. Friend. We have already demonstrated our wish to see these changes take place in the most concrete way possible—by investing money in modernising the dockyards.