HC Deb 21 November 1960 vol 630 cc751-2
27. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will now state the nature and extent of the financial support given to the aircraft industry in respect of the DH121, the Argosy, the VC10, and the Super VC10.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The financial support is of the nature indicated by my predecessor on 15th February last. The detailed terms are under discussion with the firms concerned.

Mr. Strauss

Can the Minister say when we shall be able to have a picture of the details and the amount of Government support, the terms on which it is being given and whether there will be Government participation in any profit which may arise from this support? How long will it be before the contracts are settled?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The right hon. Gentleman served with great distinction at the Ministry of Supply. He knows the difficulties one is in in these matters. If I were to disclose all these details, it would make the whole business of putting these contracts out more complicated, and certainly more expensive, in future. I think we had better stick to the system we have always had, that we state support in round figures without going into details in particular contracts.

Mr. Strauss

When can we get some information about this? Is the Minister aware that on 11th July his predecessor told me that some of the information which I am seeking would be given to the House as soon as the contracts were signed? I am asking when these contracts are likely to be signed and when we shall get the information, or is he telling us that we cannot get the information at all?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I would not go as far as saying that the right hon. Gentleman will not get any information, but I think it would be wrong to give the details of these contracts. I do not think the right hon. Gentleman when he was Minister of Supply ever gave details of contracts of this character. We have the round figure, which is £9.4 million in the 1960–61 Estimates, for assistance for the development and proving of transport aircraft, and I might be able to give some indication of the type of assistance given, but certainly not the details.

Mr. Strauss

When?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As and when these various negotiations are concluded. I would not like to be tied to a specific date.