Dockyards

HC Deb 05 February 1974 vol 868 cc283-4W

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the interests of staff recruitment and of holding the existing labour force, he will provide special bus services for workers in Portsmouth dockyard who live in Paulsgrove, Wymering, Cosham, Drayton, Farlington, Leigh Park and other places on the mainland; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Buck

We have examined the need for providing special bus services for workers in Portsmouth Dockyard but have concluded that such an arrangement would not be an effective factor in improving recruitment or the retention of the labour force; we have no indication that the services provided by the local bus companies are inadequate. The situation will however be kept under review.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the interests of staff recruitment and of holding the existing labour force, he will initiate discussions with Portsmouth City Council on the need to provide more housing for civilian workers in Portsmouth Naval Dockyard on Portsea Island itself; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Buck

Discussions are to be initiated, but it is not necessarily the case that the provision of more housing on Portsea Island would help staff recruitment and the retention of the existing labour force.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the impact of the three-day week in industry on the anticipated supply of stores to naval dockyards and to other similar Ministry of Defence establishments and on the consequences of any delays for the work programmes of these establishments.

Mr. Buck

The use of materials is being tightly controlled to minimise any consequences of delays in deliveries of stores and spare parts. So far there has been no significant impact on the Royal dockyards, and—for the longer-term effects on the naval programme I would refer the hon. Member to my statement of 16th January 1974.—[Vol. 867, c. 746.]

The same position may be regarded as broadly applicable to other defence repair and maintenance establishments.