HC Deb 11 May 1977 vol 931 cc511-2W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) skilled mechanical craftsmen, (b) joiners, and (c) non-industrial staff are likely to be declared redundant as a result of the decision to close the Quality Assurance Directorate (Weapons) Workshops at Woolwich Arsenal.

Dr. Gilbert

The number of skilled mechanical craftsmen and joiners who are likely to be declared redundant is dependent on continuing efforts to redeploy them elsewhere in other Ministry of Defence establishments at various locations in the United Kingdom or in other Government employment locally. At the present time it is considered likely that non-industrial redundancy will be avoided.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many places will have to be found for apprentices still undergoing training after 1st April 1978, following the closure of the Quality Assurance Directorate (Weapons) training workshop at Woolwich Arsenal; and at which defence establishments.

Dr. Gilbert

Thirty apprentices will still be undergoing training after 1st April 1978, and at any one time a proportion of these will need to go to other Government establishments to complete their workshop training. Arrangements are being made to find suitable places for this training.

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