§ 39 and 40. Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Minister of Supply (1) how many personnel were employed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, Bedford, and the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down, on 1st January, 1958, and 1959;
(2) if he will consider amalgamating the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, Bedford, and the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down, into one establishment.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. W. J. Taylor)It would not be in the national interest to reveal actual numbers of staff at the 696 establishments, but over the year in question the numbers were reduced by 3.6 per cent. My right hon. Friend is always considering possible ways of achieving greater economy and efficiency but any attempt to amalgamate the three establishments at the present time would involve very heavy expenditure in the provision of buildings, plant and equipment and would seriously disrupt their work without giving adequate compensating benefits.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyDoes not my hon. Friend agree that a reduction of only 3.6 per cent., in view of the run-down of military aircraft, is extremely small, and will he take into account that there is a view held by people at Boscombe Down that they have not sufficient work to do and in eighteen months there will be very little work to do? Would it not be as well for him to examine this matter now with his right hon. Friend with a view to bringing about economy and saving to the taxpayers, and treat this matter on a businesslike basis?
§ Mr. TaylorMinistry of Supply airfields are largely engaged on research and development and there is still a heavy programme of work to be completed on current and proposed aircraft, but, as and when circumstances permit, changes will be made. With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, I will have a look at that.