HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc86-7W
Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the representations of Dunfermline Labour Party, submitted to him by the hon. Member for Dunfermline Burghs, that Admiralty contracts with private shipbuilding and repair yards will not be granted at the expense of Admiralty dockyards; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I have replied to the letter from the hon. Member to the effect that it is Admiralty policy that all refit and repair work on H.M. ships and ancillary craft shall be carried out in the Royal Dockyards whenever practicable and that such work is only placed to contract when it is not practicable or suitable for acceptance in the dockyards. It is also our policy to build a small proportion of the new construction for the Navy in the Royal Dockyards.