HC Deb 12 February 1979 vol 962 cc406-7W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Secrtary of State for Defence if he will list by number and job classification, vacancies currently existing in Her Majesty's dockyard, Devonport.

Mr. Duffy

There are at present the following vacancies for craftsmen in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport.

Shipwright 12
Fitter Turner 80
Electrical Fitter 30
Boilermaker 12
Joiner 10
Welder 10
TOTAL: 154

The number in a particular trade which can be recruited at a particular time is, however, governed by the need to maintain the required balance across all trades.

There is a waiting list for vacancies in semi-skilled and unskilled grades.

Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that the fleet maintenance facilities at Her Majesty's dockyard, Devonport, are adequate to deal with current and anticipated demands; and if he will consider the use of facilities at Falmouth ship repair yard to supplement those of Devonport.

Mr. Duffy

The existing and planned fleet maintenance and ship repair facilities in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport and in the other Royal dockyards, supplemented by those of the commercial yards are adequate to meet the demand both now and for the foreseeable future. There is, therefore, no defence requirement for the ship repair facilities at Falmouth ship repair yard.