§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his long-term plans for the Clyde Naval Base, with special reference to the likely impact on the numbers employed there. [128073]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Defence Logistics Organisation has challenging targets to reduce costs while improving the quality of logistics support to the Front Line. As part of this, discussions are being held with the Dockyard companies and senior Trades Union national officers on the problem of over-capacity in warship support within the Dockyards and Naval Bases, including Clyde. The discussions are not aimed at closing any Dockyards or Naval Bases.
It is too early to say what the outcome of these discussions will be in terms of numbers employed.