HC Deb 13 July 1960 vol 626 cc1372-3
11. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what further orders for Scimitar aircraft he proposes to place.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

None, Sir.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my main interest in this is that many of my constituents work at the Vickers-Armstrong factory at South Marston and had been led to believe by the management that there would be a further order of 25 to 30 Scimitars? This would mean extra work for them at a time when the factory is in danger of closing down. Will he have a word with his right hon. Friends mainly concerned and ask them to look at the uncertain situation at this factory?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

The Scimitar is to be succeeded as a strike fighter aircraft by the NA.39. I could not undertake, on behalf of my noble Friend, to order aircraft which are not essential for operational reasons for the Royal Navy, but I will bear the hon. Member's point in mind.