HC Deb 17 November 1947 vol 444 cc795-6
30. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Supply the total number of men employed on aircraft production in 1946, with an estimate of the total wage bill, and the total value of aircraft produced.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

It is estimated that the labour force employed in all branches of the aircraft industry was about 224,000 in 1946, but it is not possible to estimate the total wages paid. The value of aircraft produced was about £36 million, excluding the value of spares which cannot be readily assessed.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does the odd £30 million worth of aircraft exclude former war aircraft which have been reconditioned?

Mr. Strauss

That is the value of the aircraft produced—the total value.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does that exclude military aircraft built for the war?

Mr. Strauss

That is the military and civil aircraft and the value of the new aircraft produced.