30 Jan 2007 : Column 154W Devonport Dockyard Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recent discussions with Kellogg Brown and Root about future investment in Devonport Dockyard. [116904]
Mr. Ingram: [holding answer 24 January 2007]: Devonport Royal Dockyard, which is owned and operated by Devonport Management Limited (DML), undertakes refit, maintenance and disposal of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, including the re-fuelling and de-fuelling the Vanguard Class submarines.
The Dockyard has unique skills and facilities that are essential for this task and which play a direct role in maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The security of these strategic assets is an absolute priority for the UK. The Ministry of Defence must ensure that whoever has control of them has the competence and resources to manage them as well as investing in their future. The Ministry of Defence is in active discussion with the DML shareholders, including KBR, about appropriate ownership and management arrangements for the future of the enterprise.