Redundancies

HC Deb 15 April 1975 vol 890 cc251-3

7. Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is now able to estimate the total numbers of redundancies in the Armed Forces and related industries as a result of the defence cuts announced in the recent White Paper.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Defence White Paper gives full details of the expected redundancies amongst Service personnel. Redundancies in the defence industries are primarily a matter for the firms concerned in the light of their workload, but the broad picture of a loss of 10,000 job opportunities by 1978–79 remains.

Mr. Morrison

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to announce what the redundancy terms will be and what plans he has for rehousing those who lose their jobs? Does he intend to disband any units? If so, is he prepared to organise transfers to other units for Service men who lose their jobs?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has in mind something more than the annexe to the White Paper, which set out the redundancy terms fairly fully. We have explained to all those who might be directly concerned that we shall do whatever we can to maintain the structure of units, consistent with what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has just said, and to soften the problem when Service personnel must become redundant. We have already made clear our view that special steps should be taken to avoid the difficult housing problems in which Service people often find themselves.

Mr. Watkinson

In the light of cuts in RAF personnel, does not my hon. Friend agree that the expenditure of over £50,000 on a house for the Director-General of Personnel Management at RAF Innsworth, and a further expenditure of more than £6,000 on improvements, is totally unwarranted? How can it be justified?

Mr. Rodgers

These are two unrelated questions. The principal Question was concerned with the need to look after those who become redundant. I do not underestimate my hon. Friend's concern. We will certainly look into it as a separate matter.

Mr. Winterton

What representations has the Minister had from trade unions and staff organisations at Hawker Siddeley about the effect of the defence cuts upon that company and possible redundancies? Is he aware of the importance of the export potential of the development of the maritime Harrier?

Mr. Rodgers

I am certainly aware of what the hon. Gentleman says in the latter part of his question. The first part is covered by later questions on the Order Paper.

Mr. Cronin

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the redundancies in the defence industries would be greatly reduced if boards of directors turned their attention more to the export market?

Mr. Rodgers

It is the case that within well-known and proper restraints there are export opportunities.