OR351

HC Deb 26 November 1962 vol 668 cc5-6

3. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he has now decided to place contracts for the OR351.

Mr. J. Amery

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 19th November.

Mr. Edelman

While we have every sympathy with the position in Northern Ireland, is the Minister aware that there is a constant increase in redundancy in the aircraft industry in the Coventry area? In these circumstances, will he not at last encourage his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence to make up his mind about the OR351 and, in view of the fact that on Friday the Minister for Air said that the whole question was the subject of continuing review between the United States and Great Britain, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance today that, in making the decision to allocate the contract, the emphasis on the American end of it will not be such as to diminish the amount of British employment which would be able to go into the finished aircraft?

Mr. Amery

The hon. Gentleman will, I am sure, understand that it would be quite reasonable that we should try to get a common requirement with the American Air Force if this were to prove possible. Newspaper reports that an American aircraft is likely to be chosen to replace the Beverley and the Hastings are, I assure the hon. Member, entirely speculative.

Mr. Cronin

While nobody wishes the Government to make a precipitate decision, may I ask the Minister to bear in mind that a decision on the OR351 has been pending since the spring of 1961?

Mr. Amery

Yes, I am well aware of that. Indeed, I think that in another capacity I was instrumental in putting in the original requirement. Several million pounds of the taxpayers' money is, however, involved, and it is natural therefore that the decision should be very carefully matured.

Mr. McMaster

Will my right hon. Friend undertake to do all he can, because of the effect on morale in such firms as Short Bros. & Harland, to expedite this decision?

Mr. Amery

Yes, indeed. I have been bringing home to all concerned the importance of an early decision if we are to avoid a gap in the front line of the Royal Air Force.