HC Deb 09 December 1974 vol 883 cc69-70W
Mr. David Walder

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of his planned reduction in directly employed civilian manpower is referable to BAOR and RAF, Germany.

Mr. William Rodgers

The statement made on 3rd December stressed that no reductions are intended in the forces we maintain in Germany in accordance with our Brussels Treaty obligations until a satisfactory agreement is reached on mutual and balanced force reductions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. We do not, therefore, envisage any significant reductions in civilian manpower directly related either to BAOR or RAF Germany in advance of such an agreement.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if his figure of reduction in the number of civilians employed by 30,000 includes any figures for the naval dockyards; and, if so, how many, and at which dockyards.

Mr. Judd

As my right hon. Friend has made clear, all four dockyards will continue to be fully utilised.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a breakdown as to the main locations of the 15,000 jobs to be lost to directly employed civilians employed in the United Kingdom as a result of his statement of 3rd December 1974.

Mr. William Rodgers

It is not possible to give a breakdown of this kind at this stage. The figures in the statement of 3rd December indicated only a broad order of magnitude for the total reductions expected over a period of years. The reductions at particular localities will only emerge as detailed planning proceeds, and in the light of appropriate consultations.

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