§ 22. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on discussions between his Department and relevant trade unions on the future of the royal dockyards.
§ Mr. LeeMy right hon. Friend discussed this question with trade union representatives at Rosyth on 13 February. He previously held similar discussions at Devonport. Both he and I, on separate occasions, have held other meetings with the trades unions on this subject. Additionally, there will be full consultation with the unions and others before decisions are taken about the future of the dockyards.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many commercial companies were approached by Mr. Peter Levene with a view to considering a private franchise arrangement to run Her Majesty's naval dockyards.
§ Mr. LeeDuring the course of his studies into the future organisation and management of the royal dockyards Mr. Levene approached in excess of 20 companies. These included not only firms in the defence industry sector, but other companies with the necessary managerial and financial backing to sustain an operation the size of the dockyards.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any foreign-owned companies have been in contact with his Department about a possible private takeover of the royal dockyards.