Orders of the Day — Defence (Navy) Estimates, 1969–70, Vote A

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 March 1969.

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The question of turning the dockyards over to the construction of industrial equipment other than military equipment was mentioned then. The Minister said categorically that they did not think that it was possible, for obvious reasons, one of which was the first priority of the Navy. They could give no guarantee of deliveries and so on if the priority of the Navy had to impinge on contracts. Now we are told by the Minister this afternoon that two people are looking into this. I am very grateful that he has changed his views to some extent. I see that he is indicating that he has not, so he still does not believe that it is possible. If he starts off by saying that it is not possible, why have the inquiry? And if the inquiry is to mean anything, why not publish its report? He appeared to make it clear during his speech that he had no intention of informing the House of the result of that investigation.