HC Deb 25 November 1957 vol 578 cc802-3
43. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply the present extent of Government financial interest in the aircraft firm of Short Brothers and Harland; to what extent he was consulted over the recent changes in managerial direction; what is his future policy with regard to this firm; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The Government hold 1,640,000 fully paid up El hares in Short Brothers and Harland, Limited. I was consulted over the recent managerial changes to the full extent necessary. No change in policy is contemplated.

Mr. Beswick

Does the Minister not realise that not only in this firm but in the industry as a whole there is great uncertainty among all classes of employees? Although the Parliamentary Secretary was unable to give any indication last week of the forward thinking of his Department concerning the development of the industry, surely the Minister should have a plan for the future of the firm, or is it simply to be a subsidiary engaged in sub-contracting for the Bristol Company?

Mr. Jones

I fail to see that that has any connection with the original Question, which concerned managerial changes in Short Brothers and Harland. For the rest, the purpose of the managerial changes was to unite the effort of Short's and Bristol's in bringing about the successful launching of the Britannia aircraft, on which both companies are dependent.

44. Mr. McKibbin

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that a considerable number of workers in the three factories operated by Messrs. Short Brothers and Harland in Northern Ireland have been discharged recently, and that there is the prospect of a further considerable cut in the near future owing to restrictions on spending as a result of the White Paper on Defence; and, in view of the present unemployment situation in Northern Ireland, if he is willing to receive a deputation of representatives of the trade unions and hear views on the situation.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Yes, Sir. I shall be glad to receive a deputation.

Mr. McKibbin

In thanking my right hon. Friend for agreeing to receive the deputation, may I ask him to bear in mind that time is the essence of the contract if the services of these skilled technicians and draughtsmen, many of whom possess degrees, are not to be lost to this country? Is he aware that 168 who have already been paid off and others who may be paid off in the near future have already made application for jobs with Canadian and American firms who are advertising in this country? Does my right hon. Friend not consider it would be very wrong that the skills of these highly-trained men should go to another country?

Mr. Jones

I accept that the possible loss of technicians is a problem, but this is part of the larger problem of industry generally for Northern Ireland. The Minister of Commerce for Northern Ireland and I will be very pleased to discuss this aspect with the deputation.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that when we transferred Short's to Northern Ireland, it was with the object of building up a fully-equipped design staff? If that design staff is allowed to dissipate back into this country, all the capital expenditure on this magnificent factory and the whole purpose of taking Short's to Northern Ireland will have been frustrated? This would be a great disaster for one of the best factories in the country.

Mr. Jones

I appreciate that, but as I hinted earlier in answer to another supplementary question, the essence of the problem is the successful launching of the Britannia aircraft; and on that all our efforts are concentrated.

Mr. Knox Cunningham

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the closing down of Short's Altona Works, near Lisburn and their Ballyclare factory has a grave effect on employment in these areas? Will he do everything in his power to help in this situation?

Mr. Jones

Certainly, Sir. I will be very pleased to discuss this aspect with the deputation when it comes.