§ Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware of the anxiety caused by the proposed closure of the production workshops at the Admiralty compass station in Slough and its effect on the efficiency of the repair facilities for the older type of compass equipment still in use in the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary which cannot be repaired by industry; and if he will reconsider the decision to close it.
§ Dr. GilbertThe proposed closure of the production workshops at the Admiralty Compass Observatory, Slough has, understandably, caused some anxiety amongst the employees. Consultations about the ways in which the decision can be implemented are at present taking place with the staff and trade union sides of the Whitley Council. One of the main factors underlying the closure decision has been the fact that the requirement for repair facilities for the older types of compasses is declining. It is appreciated that a number of items which industry cannot currently repair will still be in service after closure in 1980. The most suitable arrangements for handling such items are now under study.