HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc902-3
26. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Supply what consultations take place between his Department and the British aircraft manufacturers with regard to the production of aircraft to meet the requirements of the airline corporations.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

There is consultation between the Ministry of Supply and the manufacturers, ranging from informal technical discussions to formal contractual negotiations, but it would not be practicable within the limits of a Parliamentary Answer to give details of all the consultations which take place.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Minister aware that there is great uneasiness in the industry about the manner in which these consultations, take place? If these consultations took place, why is the Chairman of B.O.A.C. obliged to go to America to buy American jet airliners?

Mr. Maudling

On the general question of consultation, I was not aware of any such uneasiness. I think that the next Question on the Order Paper refers to the question of B.O.A.C.

27. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Supply if he is satisfied that the British aircraft industry will be able to meet the present and future need of aircraft for the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maudling

The position is as stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in reply to Questions by the hon. Members for Govan (Mr. Rankin) and Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 25th July, and it would be premature for me to make a statement.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Minister aware that the British aircraft industry has failed to meet the present and future needs of B.O.A.C.? If the industry fails to manufacture airliners for the North Atlantic routes, this country will be involved in the expenditure of millions of pounds and dollars.

Mr. Maudling

I cannot accept that. The aircraft industry at the moment is exporting at an annual rate of more than £100 million, and we cannot expect to export aircraft at that rate and refuse as a matter of principle to import any aircraft at all.