HC Deb 03 February 1960 vol 616 cc135-6W
22. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the concern in Scotland consequent on the decision to award to an English firm the maintenance of 50 moorings in Scottish waters at a time when the five existing vessels employed for this purpose at Rosyth, Fife, are unable to find sufficient work; and whether, in view of current difficulties in Scotland in maintaining full employment, he will take urgent steps to revoke this decision.

62. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the feeling of insecurity among the personnel at present employed in Royal Naval dockyards on the maintenance of moorings in Scottish waters,, arising from the decision to divert some of the maintenance work to an English firm; and why he took this decision.

Mr. Hay

I regret the concern felt in Scotland, but I am satisfied that the contract into which we have entered, and which cannot now be cancelled, is on the best terms that could be obtained. The five Admiralty vessels in Rosyth were not employed in the maintenance of Ministry moorings either in Scottish waters or elsewhere. I understand that my hon. Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty will be writing to the hon. Members on the question of employment in the Royal Naval dockyard.