§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Devonport royal dockyard will retain its status as a royal dockyard following privatisation; and what its title will be. [25307]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe subject of the proposed privatisation is the existing company Devonport Royal Dockyard plc, in which the assets of Devonport royal dockyard would be vested at the date of any sale. Her Majesty the Queen has graciously signified that she would be content for the royal title to continue to be used by the dockyard if it is privatised, subject to the use of the royal title being kept under constant review lest the activities of the dockyard develop in such a way as to586W make the further use of the title inappropriate. Subject to that proviso, the use and continuation of the royal title will be a matter for the purchaser.