36. Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the current work load in the RN dockyards with particular reference to the level of staffing and the balance of trade.
§ Mr. MuddThe Royal dockyards have a heavy work load. Generally the total numbers employed in the home dockyards are close to the approved level of approximately 32,000, although problems with the balance of trades still exist in some areas. The programmes of work are kept under constant review.
§ 42. Mr. Alan Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian apprentices are currently serving in the Royal Naval Dockyard, Devonport; and how this figure compares with 1973 and 1974.
§ Mr. JuddThere are 1,052 apprentices currently being trained in Devonport Dockyard compared with 969 in 1973 and 909 in 1974.