HC Deb 27 May 1957 vol 571 cc16-7
23. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement upon the policy of his Department in so far as research and development work at Armstrong Siddeley Motors, Coventry, is concerned.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

My policy is to consider the capacity of this company to meet the requirements of my Ministry along with the capacity of other companies. Military requirements are, however, decreasing, and I am therefore very glad to see that this company is actively seeking work in other fields to supplement the military work they are still doing.

Miss Burton

The Minister may be satisfied, but nobody else is. As the Ministry of Supply considers the company to be one of the most technically competent in the country, as it has factory space amounting to 2¾million square ft., plus valuable equipment, and as a most advanced technical team has had to be built up because of a contract secured in competition with all the aeroengine companies in the country, but the contract has now been cancelled, will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he proposes to take?

Mr. Jones

Regardless of the technical competence of the company, it is a fact that some contraction of the aircraft industry is inevitable. I hope the hon. Lady will not think it unfair of me if I remind her that only a short time ago she was the chairman of a committee which recommended a contraction in the number of military aircraft projects. I hope she is not running away from that recommendation now that she sees her constituency is affected.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my right hon. Friend carefully consider the future of these companies, which have scientific teams built up over a period of years, to see that the effort is not wasted, but that there is some coordination with other Ministries to ensure that the work is done to the best advantage of the economy of the country?

Mr. Jones

Yes, Sir. The future of these factories is very much in my mind, and I am in constant consultation with other Departments in this connection.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister aware that in Coventry we never run away from anything, much less from the Ministry of Supply? Furthermore, is he aware that I stand by every word in that report, which suggested that the less efficient companies, not the outstanding ones in the country, should have work taken from them?

Mr. Jones

I only hope that the hon. Lady is not expecting me to run away from her.