HC Deb 09 December 1957 vol 579 cc876-7
12. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply what consideration he has given to the proposal that the Royal Aeronautical Establishment at Farnborough should be closed as an economy measure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I have not heard of any such proposal. The Royal Aircraft Establishment is currently engaged on vital research work in connection with guided weapons and other advanced types of defence equipment as well as manned aircraft for both military and civil purposes.

The Establishment has a proud record. It has for many years played a leading part in keeping British aviation and research in the forefront. In the future its importance is likely to be equally great in the new field of guided weapons.

Mr. Beswick

If the Minister has not heard of these rumours, I can assure him that other people have. It will give great satisfaction to them to have his denial that there is any intention of closing this establishment. Further, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman not to be stampeded by anything my right hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) said and not to carry his economies down to Farnborough?

Mr. Jones

I agree that I had heard of the rumours but I had not heard of proposals. Rumours and proposals are very often things very far apart.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman not allow himself to be unduly encouraged by what has been said by my hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick), who frequently changes his mind on this subject?

Mr. Jones

I hoped that I was observing a very nice balance between the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend.