§ 35. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the consultations he has held with trades union representatives on the new anti-theft devices to be introduced to Portsmouth Royal Naval Dockyard.
§ Mr. KirkA committee has been set up at Portsmouth Dockyard to explore methods of reducing thefts, including the use of anti-theft devices. The staff associations and trade unions will be consulted before any proposals which stem from recommendations made by the committee are implemented.
§ Mr. JuddI thank the hon. Gentleman for that very full reply. Would he not agree that it was unfortunate that announcements about new anti-theft devices were made before full consultations had taken place, as this not unnaturally appeared to be a slur and an unfortunate reflection on the work force in the dockyard?
§ Mr. KirkNo one intended a slur on anyone. The staff and trade union sides were invited to see the closed circuit television anti-theft devices and refused to come.