§ Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Defence when the rum ration for the Royal Navy ceases, what action he is taking to safeguard the employment of the coopers in the Royal William Yard, Stonehouse, Plymouth.
§ Dr. David OwenAt present the prospects of retraining the coopers are being investigated. If in the event retraining cannot be arranged, the coopers will become redundant and those eligible will receive awards under the Superannuation Act, 1965 or a redundancy payment. It does not necessarily follow, however, that any such redundancy will take effect on 1st August, 1970, the date the rum issue is to be withdrawn, as there will be a period following the abolition of the rum issue when cooperage will be needed.