HC Deb 23 July 1985 vol 83 cc501-2W
Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to close, or reduce staffing at, the chief executive royal dockyards headquarters in Bath.

Mr. Lee

The defence open government document 85/01 published in April re-affirmed the view that the Ministry of Defence and the dockyards should establish a clear customer/supplier relationship. It is therefore planned that the headquarters of the chief executive royal dockyards in Bath be progressively superseded by new customer organisation which will draw on the existing staff.

Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the manpower reductions at Rosyth and Devonport dockyards since May 1979.

Mr. Lee

From May 1979 to April 1985 civilian manpower at Rosyth and Devonport dockyards has increased by 313 and 353 respectively.

Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish a list in the Official Report of those organisations and individuals who responded to open government document 85/01, "The Future of the Royal Dockyards"; and which of those expressed concern about the time available for consultations.

Mr. Lee

Of some 60 representations received in the Department from members of the public on subjects relating to the future of the royal dockyards, one expressed concern at the period allowed for consultation. Twelve of these were presented as submissions in response to the open government document 85/01, of which none expressed this concern.

In addition, formal responses to the Document have been received directly from six local authorities and institutions:

  • Plymouth City Council (which also forwarded the views of a number of other authorities)
  • Borough of West Devon
  • Devon County Council
  • Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Fife Regional Council
  • Dunfermline District Council

Four of the six expressed concern at the consultative period. There have also been responses from the Shipbuilding Trades' Joint Council (trade union side), the Ministry of Defence Council of Civil Service Unions, and the Trades Union Congress, all of which express such concern.

Finally, there has been a continuing expression of interest from industry.