HC Deb 24 January 1968 vol 757 cc128-9W
Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the total numbers of civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence, and the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, respectively, as appropriate at the beginning of 1946, 1951, 1964 and at the latest available date.

Mr. Reynolds

which 3,900 were employed on the Clyde. These figures exclude administrative, technical and clerical staff.

The total value of naval shipbuilding orders on hand at that time was £233 million, of which £34 million related to Clyde orders.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what new ships he has decided to order; what is their cost; and for what are they to be used;

(2) if he will publish a list of the new ships he proposes to order for the Royal Navy; what is their purpose; and what is the estimated cost.

Mr. Mason

I cannot forecast future orders until we have reviewed the rate of naval new construction in the light of our reduced defence commitments.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the placing of an order for a submarine depot ship; and what is the estimated cost of such a ship.

Mr. Mason

No order has yet been placed for a submarine depot ship and it is too early to give any estimate of cost for such a ship.