§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for Defence why it has now been decided that following the reductions in the overall numbers employed in Chatham Dockyard as announced in the Defence Estimates 1969 there is to be a further reduction; and if he will estimate how many further jobs are involved.
§ Dr. David OwenThe Statement on the Defence Estimates 1969 announced a total reduction of some 5,000 members of the labour force of the three Southern Dockyards by the mid-1970s. No further decision to reduce dockyard numbers has been made nor do we foresee taking such a decision.
Indeed in Chatham Dockyard as the hon. Member knows we have for some time been engaged on a vigorous recruiting campaign to preserve and improve the balance of trades in the Yard. The recent increase in industrial wages should help significantly in this respect.
241WWhat we now need is a period of stability and confidence for the future which I hope the hon. Member will do his best to promote.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what rôle it is intended that Chatham shall play in the overall dockyard organisation.
§ Dr. David OwenAs has been made clear on many occasions Chatham Dockyard will be the main Yard for the support of nuclear Fleet submarines: it will also have other important tasks including the refitting of frigates and other conventional vessels.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men in Chatham Dockyard will be permanently required for the repair and refit of nuclear submarines; and how many will be permanently required for carrying out its other functions.
§ Dr. David OwenThe numbers of men to be employed at Chatham Dockyard on nuclear submarines as compared with other ships or work will vary widely according to the stage of the refit and the balance of trades needed.