§ 47. Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Prime Minister if he will set up a committee to consider and recommend on the future of the country's commercial aviation as a whole, with particular regard to research and development.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir; my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply gave a very full reply on this matter on Monday, when he said that he was very ready to hear the views of employers and the leaders of the trades unions.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that some of us are not happy about the composition or the strength of the Departmental Committee? Further, is he aware that if the rumours are true regarding cuts in research and development, mistakes that may be made will never be rectified in our time? Will my right hon. Friend give this matter his personal attention to ensure that everything is considered, including the views of his colleagues in other Departments?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I have a great personal interest in this matter 1426 and I am satisfied—or, at least, I feel pretty sure—that the procedure by this form of Committee is far the best practical way to approach it. When the Committee has completed its work, it will make its proposals and all the Ministers will be concerned in judging them. I do not feel that it would push matters—indeed I feel that it would even delay them—if we set up another inquiry.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that aviation engineering is among the finest in the world and this country, through research and development, has achieved a foremost place? In these economies, will the right hon. Gentleman safeguard the position of this country in future by making sure that the standard of scientific engineering will not fall because of lack of research and development?
§ The Prime MinisterThese are not altogether questions of economy, they are changes of technique and direction, and that is the problem with which we are confronted.