§ 53. Wing Commander Bullusasked the Minister of Supply if he will now make a statement as to proposed Government support for the replacement of the Dakota aircraft.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which I made on 11th June in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton).
§ Wing Commander BullusI read that original reply, but does not this support announced by the Minister for two aircraft of a similar type, one in the air and one on the drawing board, indicate that he has now abandoned his policy for the rationalisation of the industry
§ Mr. JonesNo, Sir; I have not in the least abandoned any policy for the rationalisation of the industry. Both these aircraft have been started by their manufacturers of their own accord.
§ Mr. BeswickHow much is this State assistance for the industry, which is what it amounts to, to cost? Secondly, as regards the Herald aircraft, what are the considerations justifying assistance now which were not equally valid two, three, or five or six years ago?
§ Mr. JonesIn answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I judge that the amount of money involved would be about £750,000 for each aircraft. As to the second part, all I can say is that interest has been expressed overseas in both aircraft.