HC Deb 23 June 1958 vol 590 cc12-3
23 and 25. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Supply (1) what machinery exists or will be set up to ensure that private firms in the aviation industry will give adequate attention to research and development in military aviation;

(2) what grants or subsidies it is intended shall be given to private firms in the Aviation industry to finance research and development in military aviation.

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

No change is contemplated in the existing arrangements for financing aeronautical research and development for defence purposes.

Mr. de Freitas

Now that military aviation is not nearly so profitable to the industry, is not there great danger that the developments in civil aviation may well be overlooked entirely for military purposes unless there is a change in the Departmental machinery?

Mr. Taylor

This matter was dealt with very fully in a statement in this House on 13th May. I do not think that anything could be more explicit than the words used by my right hon. Friend on that occasion when he said: The Government will, therefore, continue as necessary to sponsor and finance aeronautical research and development to meet these defence requirements."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th May, 1958; Vol. 588, c. 228.] That has both a military and a civil implication, in that firms will be supported in the military programme, and it is hoped that we shall get support from them.

Mr. de Freitas

Will there be closer Ministerial supervision of firms if they are given these grants for research?

Mr. Taylor

Yes, Sir.