asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what are the number of Admiralty civilians employed in the Belfast area.

On 1st October, 1961, the number was 1,199.

This will give some pleasure in Northern Ireland, but is my hon. Friend aware that, in view of the very difficult situation facing our shipbuilding yards, it is important that the work of these men should be maintained and if possible increased?

We are increasing the activities at the Royal Naval Aircraft Yard at Sydenham so that the numbers there, which make up the greater part of that total, are likely to increase rather than decrease over the next few years.