§ Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that there is a shortage of work in certain of Her Majesty's dockyards and that private shipbuilders are being granted contracts to the exclusion of Her Majesty's dockyards; and if he will take steps to prevent this.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuIn general there is no shortage of work in Her Majesty's Dockyards, though there have been times when particular trades have been lightly loaded. The only repair contracts recently granted have been for work on small craft normally done by contract, and work for which the Dockyards do not have available the facilities or labour needed.
§ Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that the dockyard incentive bonus scheme is operating smoothly, that productivity has improved and that dockyard staff are benefiting from the monetary awards 104W arising out of the scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuI am satisfied that the scheme is making good progress, but it is too early to make a final assessment of its effect on productivity and earnings.