HC Deb 02 July 1991 vol 194 cc156-7
8. Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow of 21 May, Official Report, column 456, if he is in a position to outline the steps he proposes to take in order to deal with the delays in the explosive handling jetty construction programme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I have nothing to add to the answer that I gave the hon. Gentleman on 21 May—that the explosives handling jetty construction programme has been subject to some delay and we are currently examining what further steps are necessary in order to maintain the programme.

Dr. Godman

It is more than three years since I first criticised the consultants, Rendel, Palmer and Tritton, for their unwise recommendation concerning the use of concrete instead of steel for the construction of the jetty. Is not it the case that because of the use of concrete the cost of the jetty has risen from £98 million to £141 million and it will not now be completed until 1993–94? Is not that nothing short of a scandal?

Mr. Hamilton

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's continuing interest in the project. It is true that the whole apparatus will have to be strengthened more than was originally envisaged; however, I do not know that that can be blamed on the use of concrete rather than steel. We are now taking all possible measures to rectify the problems and to ensure that the entire explosives jetty comes on stream in time for our Trident boats.

Mr. McFall

Has not the project almost careered out of control because of the 56 design changes that have been made? I have been contacted by contractors in my constituency who are owed millions of pounds, while at the same time they are being chased by the Treasury and others for VAT payments. Will the Minister give an undertaking that he will contact other Departments to ensure that that stops? More important, will he investigate what I said in last Thursday's Royal Navy debate about sub-contractors, so that their affairs can then be put in order?

Mr. Hamilton

The project has certainly not "careered out of control". As the hon. Gentleman says, changes have been made in the design contract; as I said, we are now trying to rectify the position. If sub-contractors have individual problems relating to payment, I should be grateful if the hon. Gentleman would write to me. We can then investigate them.