HC Deb 09 November 1959 vol 613 cc24-5
37. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation what plans he has to expand the production of aircraft.

Mr. Sandys

I have no plans for expanding the total production of aircraft. I am considering how the Government can help aircraft manufacturers increase their civil business. But although there is a rising demand for civil aircraft, this could not for some time be sufficient to make good the decline in military orders.

Mr. Rankin

Now that the right hon. Gentleman has complete control not only of the construction side but also of the operational side of civil aviation in this country, that sounds a very disappointing Answer. Is he aware that there are many firms in the country which are looking for orders and thousands of men who are looking for jobs, and yet at that point he tells us that he has no plans with regard to the future productive capacity of the country? Has he in the first fortnight at his new office approached the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ascertain how much money he can get for the necessary research and development for this very important industry?

Mr. Sandys

I am looking at the whole question of research and development, but that is a different matter from the expansion of aircraft production. As the hon. Member indicated in his supplementary question, the fact is that there are too many firms chasing too few orders at the moment.

Mr. Rankin

What does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do about it?

Mr. Sandys

There is no doubt that the majority of the manufacturers recognise that some extensive reorganisation of the industry is essential and urgent, and I shall do everything I can to help them and encourage them to carry out that reorganisation.