HC Deb 18 May 1972 vol 837 cc682-3
35. Mr. Booth

asked the Minister of State for Defence what delay he anticipates in the completion of current defence contracts placed with Vickers Limited, as a result of the lock-out of members of the Amalgamated Society of Boilermakers, Shipwrights, Blacksmiths and Structural Workers at Vickers Limited Shipbuilding and Engineering Groups, Barrow-in-Furness.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

No lock-out has yet taken place at the Vickers Limited Shipbuilding and Engineering Groups, Barrow-in-Furness. The question of anticipated delays as a result of one is, therefore, hypothetical, and I do not believe that it would be helpful at this stage to speculate about the possible consequences. But plainly we view with concern any resultant delays in the completion of current naval contracts which include valuable export orders as well as important work for the Royal Navy.

Mr. Booth

Why has not the Minister taken the trouble to establish why no boilermaker has worked in Vickers at Barrow for the last five weeks? Is he aware that the boilermakers are out as a result of a lock-out? Is he further aware that the firm has announced its intention to close production facilities at Barrow on 5th June? Will he urge Vickers to enter into negotiations, since it has consistently refused to do so since the turn of the year, on the issue of this claim? Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that if this firm closes there will be disastrous consequences, both economic and social, for my constituents and that such a step would have a most serious and adverse affect on the defence programme?

Mr. Gilmour

The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. There has not yet been a lock-out. The boilermakers have been on strike since 11th April. The management has said that if the strike continues it will have to lock out the rest of the employees, who represent 90 per cent. of the work force, from 5th June. We are obviously very concerned over this matter and hope that the boilermakers will join the rest of the unions, who, as I say, comprise 90 per cent. of the rest of the staff, in accepting the terms that have been offered.