HC Deb 17 December 1969 vol 793 cc340-1W
Mr. Steele

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the degree of technical skill of those employed at the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory at Alexandria; and if he will make a statement on the future of the factory.

Mr. John Morris

After detailed examination it has been decided regretfully that, owing to the delay in the development of the mark 24 torpedo, there will be insufficient work to justify the retention of the factory in production for defence purposes. The delay in development is due to design difficulties quite outside the control of the Alexandria establishment and does not in any way reflect on the performance of the factory which has been of a very high standard.

Strenuous efforts to divert suitable work from other parts of the public sector have made it possible for the factory to remain in production until the end of 1970, but there is no prospect of its continuance thereafter as a Government factory. Every effort is being made to secure another occupier for the factory or to provide alternative employment in the area.

The staff of the factory are being informed.