HC Deb 28 July 1958 vol 592 cc945-6
47. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the co-operation in research and development by the manufacturers of nuclear power plants; and whether he will consider encouraging the aviation industry to adopt a similar system of co-operation in research and development.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. W. J. Taylor)

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend and I are aware of the arrangements to which the hon. Gentleman refers. They are not unlike the arrangements for technical co-operation which have been in existence between the Ministry of Supply and the aircraft industry; within groups of aircraft undertakings; and between aircraft companies generally, under the auspices of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors. The further grouping of aircraft firms into larger units which is now going on with the encouragement of my right hon. Friend will lead to even better co-operation.

Mr. de Freitas

Does not the system of the exchange of information adopted by the manufacturers of nuclear power plants go far further than anything adopted by manufacturers in the aviation industry? If so, will the Minister of Supply and the Parliamentary Secretary have another look at this question to see if the country cannot benefit in this field as it will in the other?

Mr. Taylor

I do not think that the system adopted by the nuclear energy people goes any further than the system now operating in the aircraft industry. For many years there has been a free flow of information between the research and development establishments of the Ministry of Supply and the industry by the circulation of reports and discussions. As the hon. Member will know, it is not within the power of my right hon. Friend to compel firms to share information.