§ 19. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Aviation what action is being taken to expand aircraft production in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. RipponI understand that on the basis of contracts already placed or to be placed, Short Brothers and Harland Ltd. hope to maintain approximately their present level of employment for some time. Any expansion must depend on the future demand for the aircraft which they produce.
§ Mr. JegerIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is great anxiety in Northern Ireland where unemployment is growing and has reached almost 8 per cent.? Is he doing anything through his Department to increase the production of aircraft in what are exceptionally good circumstances in that part of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. RipponThe Government are well aware of the general problem of employment in Northern Ireland. There are, indeed, some questions down to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary later in the week. As to the expansion of aircraft production, we have in hand the order for the Britannic.