HC Deb 11 July 1984 vol 63 cc553-4W
22. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will have discussions with Laing-Mowlem Amey-Roadstone about the quality of tillite, quartzite and other indigenous materials in the Falklands being used for the construction of the new airport runways.

Sir George Young

No. The quality of these materials is clearly stated in the contract specifications and the Laing-Mowlem-Amey Roadstone joint venture is in no doubt about its responsibility in this respect. PSA site control staff check that the materials incorporated in the work meet these specifications.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what medical facilities are available to the contract workers at the CMA camps in the Falklands; if the staff are fully qualified; and what checks are made to ascertain that proper hygienic standards are maintained.

Sir George Young

The Laing-Mowlem-Amey Roadstone Construction joint venture provides medical facilities of a general practice nature. These are currently staffed by a doctor and three nurses, all of whom are fully qualified. A 10-bed convalescent hospital is due to be completed at the end of August. The doctor carries out inspections every two days to ensure that proper hygienic standards are maintained throughout the camp. An inspection with satisfactory results has also been completed by the Falkland Islands Government medical staff.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many men are employed at the CMA camps in the Falklands; if they receive a water supply every day in their cabins; what restrictions are placed on them visiting Port Stanley; why the management live on a ship with individual rooms and videos; what similar recreational facilities are available to the men; what requests from these men have been received to allow them to form a trade union or workforce committee; and whether the management can send any workers home as "unsuitable" if they engage in trade union activities.

Sir George Young

Some 1,100 people were employed in the Falklands by the Laing-Mowlem-Amey Roadstone Construction joint venture at the end of June. The conditions under which they were employed are the responsibility of the contractor, but the answers to the specific questions are as follows. A potable water supply is available throughout the contractor's domestic accommodation. Visits to Port Stanley in small numbers are encouraged by the contractor who subsidies the cost of the air fare. Access overland is difficult and can be hazardous and is not generally allowed for that reason. The majority of the contractor's management team live in the same camp as the work force; conditions for those living on the Merchant Providence are broadly similar. Video and other recreational facilities are available for all and will soon be augmented by a purpose-built recreation hall which is nearing completion.

Recreational arrangements are discussed fortnightly by a joint management/work force entertainments committee. A more general work force committee was established in December 1983 to enable discussion of any problems about working or living conditions on the site. The contractor assures me that there is no discrimination in respect of trade union activities.