HC Deb 10 July 1957 vol 573 cc39-41W
51 and 52. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what arrangements have been made for the future repair and maintenance of vehicles, in view of the proposal to close the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers No. 31 Base Workshops, at Ashford. Middlesex;

(2) whether he will reconsider the decision to close the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers No. 31 Base Workshops, at Ashford, Middlesex.

53. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has decided to close down No. 31 Base Workshops, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Ashford, Middlesex.

Sir I. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement as to the forthcoming closing down of No. 31 Base Workshop, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Ashford, Middlesex; and, in particular, how many ex-Service men and how many disabled persons are on the pay roll.

Mr. J. Amery

My right hon. Friend has this morning met representatives of the unions concerned and has agreed to consider their objections to the closing of 31 Base Workshops. The decision that they should be closed results from the reduction of the Army's administrative services. The Army's transport is being cut down and, as my right hon. Friend has told the House, this is bound to mean the closure of some base establishments.

Most major repairs of unarmoured vehicles are done by contract arranged through the Ministry of Supply. 31 Base Workshops are the only War Department establishment still doing this work. By next December the number of these vehicles in service will have been so reduced that there would be virtually no repairs to keep the Workshops at Ashford employed. It is not a question of transferring the work; it would disappear.

There are 550 staff including 29 disabled and about 300 ex-Service men, mostly from the second world war.

54. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War how much has been spent during the last three years on improvements and equipment at No. 31 Base Workshops, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Ashford, Middlesex.

Mr. J. Amery

£13,600 has been spent during the last three years on new Works Services and £40,000 on maintenance. £8.000 has been spent on new equipment, but the great majority of this will be recovered for use elsewhere when the workshops are closed.