§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the rationalisation of personnel strength in the Royal Naval Dockyard, Portsmouth, with particular reference to the expected phasing and level of redundancies.
§ Mr. KirkThe problem of balancing the skills required to match the future work load in the Royal Dockyards, including H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, is under discussion with the trade unions. We hope to limit any enforced redundancy that may be necessary by such means as selective recruitment and offers to accept voluntary retirement.