HC Deb 26 March 1969 vol 780 cc297-8W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the results of the Greenwich Conference on Dockyards, in relation to Rosyth.

Dr. David Owen

The object of this symposium was to explain to employees' representatives our plans in relation to all the Home Dockyards, with particular emphasis on those where reductions are to take place. The opportunity was taken to discuss the difficulties which have been met in increasing the labour force at Rosyth and what must be resolved before these difficulties can be overcome.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve managerial efficiency in the Royal Dockyards.

Dr. David Owen

A number of measures to obtain greater productivity with a smaller labour force are in hand. Details are set out in paragraphs 37–44 of Chapter VIII of the Statement on Defence Estimates, 1969.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated capital requirement for modernising the Royal Dockyards in the next three years.

Dr. David Owen

In addition to the normal annual rolling programme for the repair and replacement of machinery and plant in H.M. Dockyards (of the order of £1.85 million annually) we are planning on the basis that capital expenditure of the order of £18 million will be committed between now and 31st March, 1972, on modernisation.