HC Deb 15 July 1959 vol 609 cc405-6
49. Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the redundancy at the de Havilland Aircraft Company works at Hatfield, caused partly by the delay in placing the contract for the D.H.121; and what steps he is taking to urge British European Airways to accelerate this matter.

Mr. Hay

As explained on 13th July by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, the contract for the D.H.121 is a matter between the operator and the manufacturer. I have no reason, however, to believe that British European Airways is not as anxious as anyone to expedite matters.

Lord Balniel

Whilst I am grateful to my hon. Friend, may I ask if he could emphasise to B.E.A. the extraordinary urgency of this matter, from the point of view not only of employment at Hatfield, but also of the export potential of these aircraft?

Mr. Hay

I do not think B.E.A. needs any urging on this. It is well aware of its importance.