§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent meetings he has held with trade unions to discuss dockyard work loads. [128769]
§ Mr. SpellarMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and the rest of his ministerial team met senior trade unions national officers on 12 June 2000 to discuss, among other matters, the management of overall capacity for warship support and maintenance.
§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans for efficiency savings he has made with regard to Royal Navy dockyards; and if he will make a statement. [128768]
§ Mr. SpellarAs part of the Defence Logistic Organisation's drive to reduce costs while increasing the quality of logistic support to the Front Line, discussions have commenced with the privatised dockyard companies and senior trades union national officers looking for innovative ways to reduce the current excess capacity for warship support and maintenance. It is too early to say what this will mean in terms of efficiency savings.