§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance has been given to Gibraltar, in each of the last three years, to train workers made redundant by the run down of the dockyards; whether training and re-training places are open to all those previously employed in the dockyards, regardless of nationality; what representations he has received on these matters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe Gibraltar dockyard ceased to operate under MOD management on 31 December 1984. With effect from 1 January 1985 the dockyard passed to the Government of Gibraltar and was operated on its behalf by Gibraltar Shiprepair Ltd. The provision of assistance and training for staff made redundant since the transfer is not, in consequence, a matter for the Ministry of Defence.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the WE177s withdrawn from(a) Royal Navy and (b) RAF service will be dismantled or put into storage.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced in the House on 14 October,Official Report, column 58, that we would be making a substantial reduction in the numbers of free-fall WE177 bombs in the coming years and that in normal circumstances WEI 77s will not be deployed at sea. All WE177s withdrawn from service will be dismantled.