asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian companies have expressed interest to his Department in administering the remaining dockyards which he intends to privatise; and what consultations he intends to seek with dockyard trade union labour representatives about the terms of employment and conditions they are willing to offer.
No such decision on future arrangements for the royal dockyards has been taken. However, of more than 20 companies approached in the course of studies last year, on an informal basis and without commitment, over half expressed initial interest in the concept of commercial operation of the dockyards. We have made it clear that there will be a period of consultation before any major decisions are taken.