HC Deb 24 February 1969 vol 778 cc230-1W
Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the £3 million increased expenditure in the Coulport missile depot contract has been caused by devaluation.

Dr. David Owen

£200,000.

Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State; for Defence what are the estimated completion dates for the missile depots at Faslane and Coulport.

Dr. David Owen

The Clyde Submarine Base, which consists of the general submarine support area at Faslane and the armament depot at Coulport, is virtually complete and is operational.

Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much more accommodation has been provided at the Coulport missile depot than was originally required.

Dr. David Owen

The additional accommodation being provided consists of facilities for torpedoes and engineering services, extra storage space, technical administrative offices and a canteen extension.

Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the £3 million increase in the missile depot at Coulport has been due to variations in wages and increased costs of Pay As You Earn; and what are the conditions of the contract that permit these increases.

Dr. David Owen

Approximately £100,000. This reflects the increase in wages which took place between the framing of the original estimate and the letting of contracts.

Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons are now employed at the Faslane and Coulport missile depots; and what is the weekly wage bill.

Dr. David Owen

Three thousand; and eighty thousands pounds respectively.