§ 50. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation what changes will be made in current orders for aircraft and spares arising from the proposed reductions in the investment expenditure of the Air Corporations for 1961–62.
§ Mr. RipponNone, Sir. The apparent reductions arise solely because payments for aircraft and other projects due in 1961–62 will be less than in the current financial year.
§ Mr. ChetwyndOn the surface, is not this £27 million reduction in the capital 650 expenditure of the Air Corporations a serious interference with their planned programmes? Can we be assured that they receive all the aircraft they are supposed to receive in this period? Will there be any effect on the aircraft industry by this chopping and changing, now that it is regaining its confidence?
§ Mr. RipponAs the hon. Gentleman has indicated, it is oily a discrepancy on the surface. No cut is involved and there is no change in the contemplated programme. It simply relates to the incidence of payments in a particular year.