HC Deb 25 November 1971 vol 826 cc1524-5
11. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether, in view of the deteriorating employment situation, he will now reconsider the policy of closure of H.M.S. "Caledonia" in Fife.

Mr. Kirk

The move of the training task of H.M.S. "Caledonia" to H.M.S. "Sultan" will not take place before 1979–80. It would be premature to judge the effects of the move on the employment situation at this distance in time.

Mr. Hamilton

As this is a long-term policy, will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that his mind is not closed on this matter? If, unfortunately, his party should be the Government of the day at that time, and if the unemployment situation does not improve, will he undertake that the decision will be subject to review, because there are 200 or 300 jobs involved and the men concerned are dubious about their future?

Mr. Kirk

My mind is never closed to anything. This decision dates back to the Administration which the hon. Gentleman supported. As it will not be implemented for nine years, we are getting a little hypothetical.